Podcast appearances and mentions of Nicole Williams

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.

Tennessee's new congressional maps have cast candidates both old and new into chaos as they navigate new districts. On today's Friday News Roundup, executive producer Whitney Pastorek and contributor Nicole Williams are talking about who's pulled petitions to run. Plus, Metro Legal director Wally Dietz has announced his retirement, the Office of Homeless Services had a curious request in their budget proposal, and residents and business owners in 12 South are trying to figure out where to put all the cars. And in our bonus segment Hell Naw: Do we really need 84 more hotels?? Learn more about the sponsors of this May 15th episode: Window Nation 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 Hey 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.

Wednesday, where he outlined his vision for this fiscal year in Nashville, including a grocery tax cut that might require some “belt-tightening.” Host Marie Cecile Anderson is joined by contributor Nicole Williams and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for this edition of the Friday News Roundup, where she also brings first-hand reporting of the major ICE enforcement activity taking place in Antioch at the same time as the mayor's speech. Plus, NDOT responds to our Vision Zero reporting, and in our bonus segment, why some Starbucks workers are saying “Hell Naw” to Music City. Here is a sample ballot for the May 5 election with early voting locations and hours. If you haven't yet registered to vote, you cannot vote in the May 5 primary election — but you can still register for the state and federal primary election on Aug. 6. 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 Hey 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.

Embracing a Robust Life: Charlotte Mason Approach with Nicole Williams, Special Patreon Release   Psalm 24:1 (NIV) The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;   *Transcription Below*   Questions and Topics We Discuss: Will you teach us what is meant by Charlotte's quote, "Education is the science of relations?" What are the unexpected benefits of living a life out of doors and delighting in nature, almost regardless of weather? What potential do you see in morning time, afternoons, and evenings?   Nicole Williams home educated her three children using Charlotte Mason's principles and methods for 18 years. She also taught four of her adopted siblings from middle school through graduation. Watching the feast of life-giving ideas restore her sibling's innate love of learning inspired her to dig deeper into Mason's philosophy of education and then to share her experiences with others. She does that now by co-hosting the podcast A Delectable Education, writing for SabbathMoodHomeschool.com, and teaching workshops. She is also the author of Living Science Study Guides, where she helps families and schools implement Charlotte Mason's natural way of teaching science. Nicole enjoys working in her garden, collecting living books, and hiking.   A Delectable Education Podcast Sabbath Mood Website   Thank You to Our Sponsors: Chick-fil-A East Peoria and The Savvy Sauce Charities (and donate online here)   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”   Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”   Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”   Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”   John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:08)   Laura Dugger: (0:09 - 1:54) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   I want to say a huge thank you to today's sponsors for this episode: Chick-fil-A East Peoria and Savvy Sauce Charities.   Are you interested in a free college education for you or someone you know? Stay tuned for details coming later in this episode from today's sponsor, Chick-fil-A East Peoria. You can also visit their website today at Chick-fil-A.com forward slash East Peoria.   If you've been with us long, you know this podcast is only one piece of our nonprofit, which is the Savvy Sauce Charities. Don't miss out on our other resources. We have questions and content to inspire you to have your own practical chats for intentional living. And I also hope you don't miss out on the opportunity to financially support us through your tax-deductible donations. All this information can be found on our recently updated website, thesavvysauce.com.   This is part two of our Charlotte Mason-inspired miniseries. Emily Kaiser was the first guest to lay the foundation, and Nicole Williams is going to follow up today with more practical ideas for how we can implement this method into our own family lives, regardless of our schooling option. Here's our chat.   Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Nicole.   Nicole Williams: (1:55 - 1:57) Thank you for having me. I'm excited to be here.   Laura Dugger: (1:57 - 2:04) Well, can you just start us off by sharing a little bit more about your own faith and educational background?   Nicole Williams: (2:06 - 5:28) Yes, I was not raised in a Christian home actually. And neither was my husband. In fact, we had the funniest conversation recently where we were talking about him going to church when he was a kid.   And I said, well, that was really nice of your parents to see value in that. He said, no, they were just trying to get us out of the house and make us into better kids. But they didn't go with them. So, neither one of us were Christians. And then both of us became believers before we got married. And it has been so fun to watch our children grow up as believers or in a believing home, that that was the atmosphere and how that differed from him and I and our trust in the Lord.   We, you know, both of us really knew he was there, but had no knowledge of him. And so that was really fun to see the difference there. We started homeschooling.   Really, I would say it was really based on fear. We wanted to protect our kids. And that was pretty much the underlying motivation.   And then I had fear of doing it. Can I possibly do this? And when my oldest child, who's four years older than the next one, I have three, when he was just about to start kindergarten, I went by myself and toured a local private school.   And my husband was so funny. He's like, honey, I know you can do this. Give it a try.   And I just am so grateful that I have his support that I always have. I know that that is not the story for a lot of people, that their husbands don't necessarily see the value and what they're trying to do. And so, I've always really appreciated that.   But I went to school and we moved and we moved and I transferred college and transferred college. And then I was pregnant and I went in and said, “What am I close to? How can I just finish this?   And I ended up with a math and science degree, which wasn't really what I was going for. I was really interested in biology. But it's funny how that led to this, that that wasn't really where I was headed.   But then I ended up in the science field. But I didn't learn about Charlotte Mason until my oldest was in third grade. Well, actually, he was just about to start the third grade.   And the box curriculum that I was using came in the mail. And I learned about Charlotte Mason and just all of a sudden that didn't suit anymore. It just fell flat.   This big idea that I was learning about. But at the same time, my mom and dad had had by then adopted nine children. They had two biological children.   And they asked me to homeschool their last three who were in fifth, sixth and seventh grade. So, I told her, well, I'm going to do this new thing. I don't understand what it is.   So, if you're okay with that, then I'll do it. And I think it actually turned out to be a huge blessing to me. And then my two little girls started school a couple years later.   And so, they were homeschooled using Charlotte Mason's methods all the way through school. And my youngest is going to graduate in May.   Laura Dugger: (5:29 - 6:02) Oh, my goodness. That's incredible. You are on the other side; you're going to have so much value to add to each of us who are in the thick of it.   Regardless of our choice of how to school. And in case anyone has missed the recent Savvy Sauce episode with your podcast co-host Emily Kaiser, that's where we laid the foundation for this philosophy. But now to build on that foundation, will you teach us what is meant by Charlotte's quote, education is the science of relations?   Nicole Williams: (6:03 - 10:34) Absolutely. When we give a child, Charlotte Mason called it the broad beast. It's just all these subjects that sometimes in the regular world we think of as extracurricular.   So, she didn't just have history. She wanted them to be learning the history of their own country, the history of their neighboring country, and ancient history all at the same time. They started the ancient history in fifth grade, but they continued this on all the way through.   In science, they were always learning biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science all the way through school, all the way through high school. And how many of us really got that? We usually had to take biology, maybe chemistry, and historic.   That was maxing out our requirements. She wanted them to have this all the way through (Art, art history, music, music history, singing, and folk songs).   There's just all of this stuff. She suggested that when we're giving them this broad beast, we're allowing them to have natural relations with a vast number of things and thought. She said that thought breeds thought.   Children familiar with great thoughts take as naturally to thinking for themselves as the well-nourished body takes to growing. We must bear in mind that growth, intellectual, moral, spiritual, is the sole end of education. And just stopping right there with an aside that how many people, much less children, do we know who can think about the major issues that we're faced with, the major issues in the church, in our country?   It is something that I feel like this whole question and answer, can you pass the test? Can you tell me what I want you to tell me? That is not serving our children and our culture and our country very well.   So, what we don't realize is how interconnected all of the pieces of this kind of a curriculum that she wants us to have this broad feast are. Then Mrs. Wicks, she's somebody who often wrote in kind of a magazine of sorts that went out to the parents of Charlotte Mason's curriculum users. And she said, when we remember that knowledge is truth, we know at once that no part of truth can be omitted without wrecking the whole.   Scripture, history, geography, botany and all the others are actually different facets of the same thing. And the longer we work from these wonderful programs, she means like the assigned to work that Charlotte Mason gave, the more we realize how well balanced they are, how satisfying to the hungry mind, how the subject is dovetail, how difficult it is to teach history only in history time, like the time of day, the lesson, how it will flow over into geography, literature or even into such unexpected channels as arithmetic or botany. So, the idea of the science of relations is actually the culmination of several things. There is this wealth of ideas presented to the child for them to think about.   And then they do their own work of their education, meaning that when we ask them to narrate back about a subject, they're telling us what they got out of it. But they're also kind of telling us how that relates to something else they know. So, these things are tying together.   So that is explained through something Charlotte Mason said she was telling of the small English boy of nine who lived in Japan. And he remarked to his mom, Isn't it fun, mother? All of these things, everything seems to fit into something else.   But Charlotte Mason pointed out the boy had not found out the whole secret. Everything fitted into something within himself. And so, the science of relations is talking about how everything fits into each other.   But we aren't doing it for the student. We're not creating unit studies where we say, oh, this is related to this and it's related to that. So, I'm going to pull those all together for the student.   We are letting those connections happen within themselves. And that helps memory. It helps understanding. It creates a full life.   It creates a person who knows about a lot of things and can relate to a lot of things and talk to a lot of people about whatever that person is interested in.   Laura Dugger: (10:35 - 11:02) And as you're describing this, this sounds so appealing. And like you said, it's a very robust philosophy. And yet I've heard someone say that Charlotte Mason's load was light.   Her burden was light. So, when you explain teaching your children all of these parts in homeschooling, were the lessons short enough that this did not feel overwhelming?   Nicole Williams: (11:03 - 13:16) It really is. And what we find is any time I'm doing a subject and it's too hard for the child, it's too hard for me to get through in the lesson time that she specified, it's too hard for us to understand what we're doing. Usually what I find is that we're doing it wrong.   She gave such bite sized pieces. Like, for instance, chemistry. When I am working out the science study guides that I write, I try to assign the same amount of work that she assigned.   And I'm using different books because I'm trying to use books that are more up to date with the information provided. But I still want them to have the same quality of a living book. But I will even count the words on a page and figure out, OK, if she is assigning six pages a day, there's this many words on a page.   How does that equate to what I'm assigning? What I often find is that a lesson that will be 30 or 40 minutes long, there will be 10 or 15 minutes worth of reading. And the other 15 minutes is allowing time for narrating or discussing the topic.   So sometimes we try to cram so much into our day or into our lesson times that she actually really felt like we should keep it small. These bite size amounts every day or every week. And then our mind is processing that information and working with it. Some people have done comparisons of what their kids get out of something if they read through a book fast or if they read through it slow. And so much more is gained from reading through it slow, having a time of narration, a time of discussion or using that to write an essay, say, or something like that. So, yeah, it seems like a burden because there's so many things.   But if we get in the habit of doing what she specified, it actually is light. And that switching subjects lightens it, too, because maybe you're doing a math lesson and it's hard and we're challenging ourselves and we're trying to figure out this puzzle. And then the next thing we do is sing a folk song.   You know, it just changes things up and makes us ready for maybe a history lesson after that.   Laura Dugger: (13:17 - 13:29) That's so helpful. And then getting really nitty gritty. Approximately how long would this be for an elementary age student, a junior high student and high schooler?   Nicole Williams: (13:29 - 15:24) Yeah. So, we always hear of Charlotte Mason, her short lessons people talk about. And in form one, which is the grades one through three in those first three years, they had lessons that were between 10 and 20 minutes.   Even their math lesson was only 20 minutes. And the whole point was she was trying to teach them to focus with all their might during that time. So, if we're going to read about history or a history tale is what they would have read at that time.   She wanted them to focus and listen and be able to narrate at the end of that. And if any of us have tried that, it's hard work. So, she was starting with these small amounts.   Then by the time they're in form two. So that's fourth, fifth and sixth grade. So upper elementary. They had longer lessons that went up to 30 minutes. So, the math lesson was 30 minutes at that time. Some of their history lessons were.   And then by the time they're in form three, which is middle school, seventh and eighth and up through high school, they had lessons that were more typically 30 to 40 minutes. So that doesn't seem like a short lesson to us. But the thing that we have to keep in mind is that she was building up their ability to attend closely through those years.   So, when they got up into a 40-minute science lesson in high school, they were supposed to be able to attend and pay close attention during that whole 40-minute lesson. And statistically, we know that that's not something that the adults of our day can do. Numbers have gone from a 30-minute attention span to 20-minutes here just in the last decade or so.   Thanks to social media and the switching that we're doing with our brain. So, what she was requiring of them actually appears to be really long lessons in high school. But we always talk about her short lessons.   Laura Dugger: (15:25 - 15:32) And then in high school, let's say how many of those lessons would you do on average per day?   Nicole Williams: (15:33 - 17:32) I would say six or eight lessons a day, but some of them are still short. Like for instance, they have a recitation lesson. By the time they're in high school, they're doing that on their own outside of school time.   But in middle school, they still have a 10-minute recitation lesson. They may have a 10-minute time of reading. So not all of the lessons are going to take 40 minutes.   And I also want to point out that in high school right now, many of the schools are changing to block systems. Where they are providing like an hour and 45 minutes to two hours for a single subject. So, say math.   First of all, who can pay attention to a subject that is often challenging for two hours like that? But then on top of that, they may do it in the fall semester, then not have math. Because the way they do it, these blocks, they would have like four classes a semester.   So maybe they would not have math at all in the spring. And then maybe the next year they're a sophomore and they don't have math in the fall, but they do in the spring. So, they've gone a full year with no math of any kind.   And now again, they have two-hour lessons. And then you compare that to what we can do in a homeschooling scenario. And this is what Charlotte Mason wanted us to do was every day, 30 minutes, every day, 30 minutes.   All the way through high school, every day of the week. And she actually had them doing algebra two days a week, geometry two days a week. And then continuing arithmetic, even maybe up into statistics, because some of these things they get done.   They go on to trigonometry or something in this session. But they are always getting that mental work every single day. Comparing those two things, you can see why this short lessons is valuable to just always be touching on a subject and challenging yourself in that way.   Laura Dugger: (17:32 - 17:59) There's another Charlotte Mason quote that I want to read where she says, “My object is to show that the chief function of the child, his business in the world during the first six or seven years of his life, is to find out all he can about whatever comes under his notice by means of his five senses. Nicole, how can we intentionally incorporate this idea?”   Nicole Williams: (18:00 - 22:09) So what she's talking about here is nature study, really. And we often think of nature study as just an extracurricular subject or, you know, something light. I actually my first introduction to Charlotte Mason, it was the nature study that drew me in.   But I know for a lot of people, it's the opposite. You know, they like, why do we have to do this nature study stuff? But she's also particularly talking about a very young child in this case.   So, what she tells us later in this quote is that the intellectual education of the young child should lie in the free exercise of perceptive power, because the first stages of mental effort are marked by the extreme activity of this power. So perceptive power, picking up details, paying attention long enough to pick up details. And furthermore, this little quote, it is about two sentences after the header.   Habit is ten natures, which is kind of a funny title. But habit is one of the three educational instruments that Charlotte Mason said that we were allowed as teachers, as parents were teaching our kids. She said we were only allowed three instruments of education.   That is the atmosphere of environment, the discipline of habit and the presentation of living ideas. So that's kind of a big thing. But what I want to point out is this idea of habits.   What we're doing when we are helping them in those first years to find out whatever comes under his notice is they're learning the habit of being attentive. And this is one of the habits of mind. She talks about habits of like our body and our mind, our intellectual habits, just habits like, you know, covering your cough or pushing in your chair.   But she talks about habits of mind when she talks about them. So, they're learning the habit of being attentive for more than a fraction of a second. She gives them a scenario where a child kind of runs by a daisy and the mom calls him back and says, “Oh, look closer. You know, this daisy closes its eye at night. So, it's like a day's eye because during the day it's open and at night it closes up.”   And for that moment, the mom is just drawing the child back to this little object lesson and helping them to look at it for just a couple more seconds than they were going to look at it on their own.   So, she's building that habit of attention and using their senses. They're also learning the habit of thinking when they're spending time in nature about what they've observed. You know, they're asking themselves, why does the daisy close at night?   And where's the bee going next? And how did the tree produce these flowers in spring? How does it know when it's time for the tree buds to open or the daffodils to bloom?   And so, they're learning the habit of thinking and they're learning the habit of imagining, which is another one of the habits of mind. Where does the tracks of this fox come from? Was it skulking around here last night?   What was he looking for and where was he going and learning to imagine? And they're learning the habit of remembering. They may see a bee and they saw a bee yesterday, but they remember that yesterday's bee had a black face and this one has a yellow face.   So, it must be a different one. And they're often narrating; we're asking them to tell us what they saw. And so, they're learning the habits of accuracy and truthfulness.   No, there wasn't a thousand bees, but there was a lot. How many? Maybe, maybe a hundred, you know, so they're learning to be accurate.   So, these habits that we're cultivating through nature study and object lessons in these very young age allow our children to make the most of living ideas when they're presented through their education. So, you know, we think it's nothing, but we're helping them when they start their reading lesson, when they start their math lesson. All of these habits of mind that we've been training through nature study are going to be able to be utilized in the child when they get to doing lessons like that.   Laura Dugger: (22:10 - 22:24) Well, that leads me to wonder, Nicole, from your perspective, what are the unexpected benefits of living a life out of doors and delighting in nature, almost regardless of weather?   Nicole Williams: (22:24 - 27:31) OK, I've just started reading the book. There's no such thing as bad weather. And she even chuckles in there.   She's from Sweden and she says that there is a poll done in Sweden where they ask people because they are like they have outdoor kindergarten. Like every day is outdoor the whole-time kindergarten in Sweden, you know. And she said all they could say is it's good for you.   And it truly is good for us. It's good for us mentally and it's good for us physically. On the mental note, Charlotte Mason talked about how we can recall something that we've seen, and it gives us a level of peace when we're kind of in our busy lives.   So, she had the children do something called picture painting, which was actually just a mental exercise with maybe mom and child would be standing at the edge of a pond and they would make a mental picture of that pond. And the mom could help by pointing out things like the reflection of trees on the lake or something like that to help them get a more full picture. But the idea was these pictures of natural places they had experienced and been to would be with them always.   And they could kind of reflect on them anytime they needed a peaceful moment. There's also studies that show that if students spend time in nature before they take a big test, they do better on the test. And interestingly, those tests were side by side with people who spent time in nature or people who spent time like walking down a busy street.   And the mental piece that came from walking solely in nature versus walking on a busy street where your mind is keeping track of the cars and the people and things like that, that's not restful. And the restfulness of walking in nature allowed kind of their brain to regroup and they did better on a test after that. That was a test that was mentioned in Last Child in the Woods, which is an excellent book.   And if you think you know all the reasons why nature is valuable and important, that book has so much more to say than you ever thought. Also, one of the things that happens is the child's sense of beauty grows. I do a whole hour-long talk on the importance of this and how we miss it.   My husband and I went away for just three nights here recently. And each morning he would go out and fish and he would come back. And the last day he said, the daffodils have bloomed since we've been here. And I said, “No, are you talking about it like the big curve in the road?” He said, “Yeah.” And I said, “Those were bloomed when we got here.”   And he just he was really focused on the river and the fish, and he'd missed it every day. And we do this when I do my talk. I actually show this little video or something really large and interesting shows up in the screen.   And every single time, 50 percent of the people don't see it. And when we think about the importance of seeing beauty around us, it's God's world. It's the beauty that he has given us to kind of encourage us and build us up and remind us of what purity looks like.   And if we don't see it at all, because we're just really honed in on our life and our schedule and the next thing we've got to get to, that's just a huge loss. So, on that note, it could lead to a greater reverence and a fuller appreciation of God. There's so much that God reveals to us through nature and we have to be able to see it in order to appreciate that.   And then, like I talked about before, it's the natural way people, young children, older people to learn. So, if they spend time in nature and they're able to, say, discern that black faced bee from the yellow faced bee. Then when we're asking them to look at the letter B versus D and there is just such a small difference between the two, they are more attentive and discerning to little details.   And then finally, my favorite one is that it lays the foundation for science. I would even say it really is science. People want to skip this and just go to the book, Work of Science.   But also, in Lash Out of the Woods, Richard quotes a man who is Stanford University School of Medicine professor. And he points out that it's alarming to teach these doctors how the heart works as a pump because they've never done anything that shows the physics of this. They've never, I think he says, like worked a garden hose or worked on a car, siphoned something.   All of these direct experiences in the backyard, they've missed those. And so, they're being trained them by rote memory, but they have no experience with the physics of the way the world works. So, it really is science also.   Laura Dugger: (27:32 - 27:44) That's incredible. And I'm hearing such a mystery involved as well. We don't know all that God is up to being outdoors and what he created, but there's so much learning taking place.   Nicole Williams: (27:44 - 27:45) Absolutely.   Laura Dugger: (27:47 - 33:22) And now a brief message from our sponsor.   Did you know you can go to college tuition free just by being a team member at Chick-fil-A East Peoria? Yes, you heard that right. Free college education. All Chick-fil-A East Peoria team members in good standing are immediately eligible for a free college education through Point University. Point University is a fully accredited private Christian college located in West Point, Georgia.   This online self-paced program includes 13 associates degrees, 17 bachelor's degrees and two master's programs, including an MBA. College courses are fully transferable both in and out of this program. This could even be a great option to complete your general education courses and then transfer to the college of your choice and save money in the process.   So, if you're looking for an affordable college option while simultaneously gaining valuable work experience and earning an income, Chick-fil-A East Peoria is the place for you. You don't have to go into debt to get a great education. To apply today, please go to Chick-fil-A.com forward slash East Peoria and click on the Careers tab. You can also call the restaurant at 309-694-1044 to find out more. And if you aren't located near Chick-fil-A East Peoria, make sure you check with your local Chick-fil-A restaurant to see if they also participate in the Elevate program with Point University. Thanks for your sponsorship.   Are you utilizing Savvy Sauce Charities to full capacity? Other than our Special Patreon Release episodes, our content is now available in video form in addition to our audio only. And we have written transcriptions for every episode.   Visit our website today, thesavvysauce.com, to access all these forms of interviews. And while you're there, make sure you sign up for our email list to receive encouragement, questions, and recommended resources about once a month to promote your own practical chats for intentional living. I also want to remind you about the financial side of Savvy Sauce Charities.   As you know, we recently became a non-profit, which means all your financial support is now tax deductible. There are multiple ways to give, and we would be so honored if you would share your financial support with us so that we can continue producing free content that is accessible to the general public. Your money will go to support creatively getting the gospel message of Jesus Christ to the nations as we continue to share the good news on every episode.   And I say this is reaching the nations because The Savvy Sauce podcast is downloaded in all 50 United States, as well as over 100 countries around the world. Your financial support also supports practical needs, such as aiding our team to continue producing helpful content that is practical and uplifting and always pointing to Jesus. Your financial support, furthermore, will help us continue to expand our reach and secure future projects we have planned for this ministry.   If your ears are hearing this message right now, I am specifically asking you to give. We are so grateful for any amount, and our team will continue to seek to be good stewards of the gifts offered to us. So, if you want to write a check or set up an ongoing payment with your bank that delivers a check to us each month, this is the most beneficial way to give because no percentages are taken out for processing fees.   You can make your checkout to Savvy Sauce Charities at P.O. Box 101, Roanoke, Illinois, 61561. Additionally, with our new website, we now have a donate button. There are processing fees that we cover for these donations, but we wanted to offer listeners a seamless way to share their finances with us when we share our content with them. So just visit thesavvysauce.com and find the donate page under the tab support. Another way to find it is simply type in donate to the search bar on our website and just click the first picture shown. We are all about sharing around here, sharing resources, sharing joy, and sharing the good news about Jesus Christ.   We ask that you also will share by sharing financially, sharing The Savvy Sauce podcast episodes, and sharing a five-star rating and review. You can also share any of our social media posts on Instagram or Facebook. We are grateful for all of it, and we just love partnering together with you.   Now, back to the show.   Well, Nicole, you mentioned that your specialty is science, and when I think of your website, it has the name Sabbath in the title. So how do you weave these two together in your life?   Nicole Williams: (33:23 - 37:23) Yeah. So, I started a blog immediately after hearing a Wendell Berry poem, and that's how I named my blog. So, it was named before I started doing science curriculum.   But if you don't mind, I'd love to read the poem to you. It's beautiful. It's short.   Yeah, please do.   He says, “Whatever is foreseen in joy must be lived out from day to day. Vision is held open in the dark by our ten thousand days of work. The hand must ache, the face must sweat, and yet no leaf or grain is filled by work of ours. The field is tilled and left to grace. That we may reap great work is done while we're asleep.”   When we work well, a Sabbath mood rests on our day and finds it good. And that just had such a powerful impact on me because I realized as homeschool families, and Charlotte Mason made this very, very clear, we are presenting all of the feasts to our children, but we don't know what they're going to be interested in, what they're going to have an aptitude for, learning disabilities or challenges they may have, or places where they will excel and go above and beyond in a subject. We don't know those things.   We are working in cooperation with the Holy Spirit by sitting down every day and doing the lessons that are part of our schedule for that day. And what becomes of that within our child is up to the Lord. And that is hard for us because we have a lot to prove, or we think we do, to our neighbors, to our in-laws, to the local school, if we are having to school under some kind of an umbrella system in our state.   If we have children who have any kind of delays or special needs, we feel like we have even more to prove. And what Charlotte Mason wanted us to do was just present this information and let it take root in the child the way it would, because she said that they had a natural desire to learn. When they don't, it's because we've actually done something to destroy it.   They have a natural desire and ability to learn the types of things that we're putting before them. So, there's a lot of faith that goes into what we're doing. And frankly, there's a lot of faith that goes into a teacher in a classroom.   It's not any different. It's just that we will have a whole lot more peace in our life if we acknowledge that that's how it is, that we're not in charge here, that God is. So that is how my blog got its name.   And then science fell into that. And I feel like it's the same. It really just everything falls under that category for me, that our children are due the material that we're offering them.   And it's not within our right to hold back pieces and parts of it because maybe it's hard for us. For instance, physics. A lot of parents did not take physics in school because it was so math based in school.   But I was just talking to you about how physics is their love that God gave us. They are in nature everywhere we see. So, to kind of put blinders on and pretend like it's not there, that's not right.   It's a subject that's due to our child, whether they can handle the math or not. And so, through my curriculum, I actually have the math as optional. And I say optional, but it's not optional to the students.   It's optional because if a student can't do the math, they still have the ability to do the course and learn about the laws that God's given us. So, I don't know if that answers your question or not.   Laura Dugger: (37:23 - 37:44) I love how you explain things. And I think it's helpful that we've covered an overview of your chosen method of homeschooling. But I'd also like to know some more specific rhythms.   And so, what potential do you see in morning time, afternoons, and evenings?   Nicole Williams: (37:46 - 44:32) Yeah, I feel even more strongly about this stuff now that I'm not homeschooling because I really began to follow Charlotte Mason's ideas for her schedule. And it wasn't just the school schedule. She had kind of a whole day schedule for the kids.   She wanted them to start lessons at around nine, eight or nine. And, of course, these things are flexible. I don't want to make it sound like it's a legalistic thing, but she wanted them to start school around nine.   And then depending on their age, school stopped after two and a half to four hours. Two and a half for the youngest children, four hours for the oldest. And she had different amounts established for the different ages.   And the reason that it was kind of short like that is because she felt like twofold. One, their attention was going to be greater on their subjects if we kept their school day shorter. And she packs a lot in there.   So, there is this feeling of like the big deep breath after school is over because we've worked hard during that time, especially if you have kids, multiple kids in different age ranges. But then because after school she wanted them to have time for free play and just literally running mostly outside games, climbing trees, collecting wildflowers, doing things like that. And we know whether we want to acknowledge it or not, we know how important this free time is to kids.   For one thing, when they are playing outside, how many times have we seen our kids playing a game that is related to what we've been reading in history or tapping into whatever their science was? You know, maybe they're studying insects and now they're out there collecting them. So, there is this thing that happens in their brain.   It's like when we go to sleep after reading a book and mulling over a big question and then we wake up in the morning and we have our answer. Our brains do work in the background when we are not busy trying to shove things in. But this doesn't happen when we're playing video games or watching TV.   Our brains really check out at that. So, we have to have a play time for the kids or free time. And then she called them back just before what she called tea time.   And it really is like our dinner time an hour before then. And everybody did what she called occupations. And this was handicrafts.   And maybe your child plays the piano and they need to practice every day making entries in their book of centuries, which is kind of a history timeline kind of book, their nature notebook, things like that. So, there is this block of time before dinner. And by the way, some chores and things like that and then dinner.   And so that kind of leaves the before school in the morning and the after dinner to like leisure time, chore time, maybe getting meals cooked and things like that. Well, I started following her schedule pretty closely during my time homeschooling. I didn't really pick up on her schedule until kind of about halfway through my homeschooling journey.   But little by little, I understood more what she was saying to do and really implemented it. Well, then when I was done homeschooling, I still had one, but she was very independent. My life seems to kind of go off the rails.   I was struggling. I just could not get anything done. It felt like I was doing so much.   And I don't know. I just I can't even really quite explain it. But I was super overwhelmed with the work that I do.   I wasn't getting dinner made. And at some point I realized that all of that really somewhat rigid schedule that we had fallen into over the years was such a piece to my life. I am not a person who likes a schedule.   I actually just really want to be left alone. Whatever the day brings that I want to do, I want to do it. I am not a person who keeps a list of what they're going to do every day of the week and stuff like that.   It's just not a comfortable place to me. But what I found when all of that was taken away is that the comfort and the peace that came with those routines was gone. And so, I look back and I just have to say that is that is the potential in those things and having a time for all of the things.   So, I eventually had one day a week that I would accept, you know, doctor's appointments when I started homeschooling. If they wanted me to go to the dentist at, you know, 10 in the morning because I'm flexible, I'm a homeschooler. I would go do that and totally wreck our whole school day.   And then there came a time where I said, no, we only do appointments on Wednesday afternoons. And maybe I had a backup thing if it happened. That was the doctor's day off or something like that.   But if I had to wait five weeks for an appointment, that's what I did. Unless it was an emergency, of course. But I really landed on a pretty rigid outline.   Now, we have things happen. We moved in the middle of the school year like five times. We remodeled the house.   I lost my mom. I cared for my grandma at the end of her life. Things happen.   So, I'm not suggesting that this is like a very rigid thing, but we have to have something to aim at. And when we do and we know nine o'clock, I'm going to have my mom butt in my chair. And I expect everybody else to be there, too, because this is my job.   And there are other people who can educate my kids, and the bell will ring and it starts on time. So, if I'm going to take on this role in my life, I need to be accountable to my children, to my husband, to myself to make this a priority. And when I started having a little bit more of that attitude.   There came peace. It's just like our life under the law of the board. The rules he gives us allows us to have peace in our life.   And when we establish some of those for ourselves, it can bring peace, too. So, there's definitely potential in having kind of blocks of your day. This is what we do now. This is what we do this day of the week. That kind of thing. And everybody gets on board with it, too.   We take a nature walk on Friday. Everybody knows it. Everybody looks forward to it. And everybody holds me accountable to it. That kind of thing.   Laura Dugger: (44:33 - 44:49) That is so helpful to hear. And really, even during those especially trying seasons, it seemed like this self-disciplined intentionality with which you lived life, that that really brought in freedom kind of unexpectedly.   Nicole Williams: (44:50 - 45:25) It really did. In fact, towards the end of homeschooling, I found that my business was growing, and I felt like I had so much to do there. But when I sat down to do lessons with my kids, there was never more scheduled for that day's series of lessons than we could do during that time.   So, there was never this feeling of being behind or being rushed or trial. It was just like; this is what we're going to do today. And it gave great peace.   It really did. It took a long time for me to get to that place. I hope other people can get there faster than me.   Laura Dugger: (45:26 - 45:42) But even to hear about your journey, if you said the longest school days, I'm assuming even as they got older, it was about four hours to get everything done. So then by one o'clock in the afternoon, is that when you would do your work?   Nicole Williams: (45:42 - 47:49) It is. And so, at that point, they were older. What I found is that when we do our lessons with our kids in that kind of intense way, like we've got four hours, we're doing them.   And my kids, of course, at that age, they were both the last two were in high school. You know, one might be on one couch, one on the other. I'm in the chair and I do something with one of them and then maybe the other.   Then we're both doing. So, they're not like going off. They were there. We were all. And maybe I had a period of time to myself that I could use for planning, you know, a half hour.   They're both reading their history. I'm going to plan for, you know, tomorrow's lesson or something like that. So, there was some let up there. It is different when you have like two children who are learning to read.   You know, there is a lot more challenge than that. I used to say when they were younger that I felt like an air traffic controller and the intensity of that time of me getting from this child's lesson to that child's lesson. Now I've got to hear a narration.   We really had to be very orderly about it, or it wasn't going to get done. But when it was done, the kids wanted to go off and play. They weren't going to hang on me because they'd had a lot of really good quality time with me.   So, they were ready to go play. And that gave me like, OK, redirect, you know, have a break. I would do some work.   Often I made lunch and cooked dinner at the same time after school lesson. And then that was done and put aside. And then later I did have a child who got into ballet and spent like four hours some nights in ballet.   And then that's when I kind of did my work. You will never, ever hear me recommend to a homeschooling mom to take on work. It is hugely challenging to homeschool your kids, take care of your home and do any kind of outside work.   You really, it's hard just to do the basics. It's really hard when you have to throw some number of hours every day of work in there, too.   Laura Dugger: (47:49 - 48:02) And yet it sounds like God did call you to this work and you've participated well and you've ordered your life in this way. He's provided the grace to make this all happen.   Nicole Williams: (48:03 - 49:30) He has. I'd say one of the big things that I have taken away from all this is when you have times in your day where, you know, this is when I do school. This is when I cook dinner. This is when I do my morning chores. I will be home these days of the week. I won't go out of the house.   When you order your life in that way and you get called to do something like take care of my elderly grandma, you have room in your life to do that kind of thing. My grandma only lived a short distance from me. It took me like five minutes to get to her house.   But I would go every night, and I would take her dinner, and I'd sit with her for another hour or so and then I would put her to bed at night. Well, there were times in my life where I ran myself so hard that I could have never done that for her. So sometimes when we feel like we have a little extra time, we may take up knitting or, you know, read a book.   Do something that is edifying and building you up because you don't know what the Lord is going to call you to do in your life. And when we pack out every minute of every day, we're not really allowing him to call us into helping another person or do something that he's calling us to do. So that's my little soapbox.   Laura Dugger: (49:30 - 49:56) Yes, that is rightfully convicting. I think of a local woman here, Marsha Cook, who said margin makes me kinder. And so, I think that's worth pursuing.   But I am grateful that you work because you do a lot of good work and you have so much available. Can you just share a little bit more about your work and where we can go after this chat to learn more from you?   Nicole Williams: (49:57 - 53:15) Sure. My website is Sabbath Mood Homeschool, again, named after Brindleberry's poem. And there you will find just a lot of blog posts over many, many years.   You also find my living science curriculum there that is based entirely on how Charlotte Mason did it. So, I take no pride in my idea because it isn't my idea. I am literally just trying to basically do lesson planning for the parent.   You know, what experiment goes with this reading this week? What other resource like a current event or maybe a video would help to support this information? Just trying to take that work that the parent would need to do to prepare for that lesson and do it for them so that I have that there.   And in the last couple of years, I started making nature videos, too, to help people along with nature study. Charlotte Mason felt that it was best for the parent to learn about nature so that they could then help their kids along. So, I have videos about the different categories of flowers and birds and trees through the seasons and what to watch for.   And there's just a lot of things that like, you know, lots of people don't know that the buds on bushes and trees that form the flowers and the leaf buds are often formed in the fall. And they're there all winter long and we can look for them. So, things like that.   So, I have that there. And then I also have a newsletter that you can sign up for there. That is kind of random, both in how often it comes out and in what I include.   But I include things like, you know, the books I've read in a year and if there's a special coming up or sometimes just encouragement to something that maybe I'm thinking about at the time regarding how we spend our time or something like that. And then I'm also the co-host of a delectable education. And you've interviewed Emily and I think Liz comes next.   Right. Is that how it goes? That's correct.   All right. And the three of us together have the podcast of delectable education. And we're just finishing up our ninth season right now.   So, we have episodes on every subject of a Charlotte Mason education. Like, how do we do history? What in the world is Sulfa?   And what do we do? But then we also just have a lot of episodes just, you know, encouraging the homeschool family how to do this, what to do with afternoon times, things like that. And we put on a virtual conference every year called ADE at home.   And that is in February. And it was kind of born out of the delays of 2020, you know, but no conferences could happen. But we found that it has been a beautiful way to utilize students doing their lessons.   And so, when people watch, they're watching a family do a lesson before them, which we can never do at an in-person conference. So that has been incredible. We've gotten really good feedback on that.   So, we've continued doing it. That's about it. That's everything I think.   Laura Dugger: (53:16 - 53:40) So much on your plate, but we will link to all of that in the show notes for today's episode in case anyone wants to follow up and study further. And Nicole, you may know that we're called the Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with discernment or practical knowledge. And we would love to hear your practical life tips.   So as my final question for you today, what is your savvy sauce?   Nicole Williams: (53:42 - 54:45) Well, I would just have to say in a sentence is making a schedule and sticking to it. As much as I say that you have you have to picture me kicking and screaming on the floor like a two-year-old because I don't like to do it. But flexibility is fun, but it's not actually going to get the important things done in our life.   And we are responsible people who have integrity. And we know there are things that we must get done. And that's the only way that I know how to do it.   But I sometimes think of life creeping in. I have this mental picture of being in the front of a concert and people pushing and pushing. And if you go down, you're going to get trampled and maybe killed.   And I feel like that is how life is. It is always trying to creep in and push in on us. And we have to guard our life, our kids' school schedule, our kids' play time.   We have to guard that seriously because it's very, very important. So that's it. Make a schedule and stick to it.   Laura Dugger: (54:45 - 54:59) That is so good. And, Nicole, you just have such a warm and welcoming personality and a very calming presence. I really enjoyed this opportunity to get to interview you.   So, thank you for being my guest.   Nicole Williams: (55:00 - 55:18) Thank you so much. I wish the best of luck to all of your listeners. And I know this is a hard thing we've taken on.   It is not easy. But it is such a value. There's going to be fruits in their life throughout their whole life because of the time that you're devoting to them now.   Laura Dugger: (55:20 - 58:36) Thank you for that encouragement.   One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.   First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.   You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

On today's Friday News Roundup, host Marie Cecile Anderson is joined by newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury and contributor Nicole Williams to give a refresher on what's on the Davidson Country primary ballot, plus the latest from the state legislature and why they keep coming after Nashville. We're also digging into why the Nashville Downtown Partnership may be replacing their security contract, celebrating Nashville SC's historic international win, and rounding up the best events for your weekend. And don't miss our members-only segment Hell Naw, where we sound off on what's really grinding our gears in Music City. Early voting for the Davidson County primary election has begun, now through April 30th! Polls open at 8 a.m. across multiple locations, so you can choose a site near your home, work, or wherever you'll be. Vote for select county judges, school board members, county clerks, and more. Here's the list of candidates. Here is a sample ballot for the May 5 election with early voting locations and hours. If you haven't yet registered to vote, you cannot vote in the May 5 primary election — but you can still register for the state and federal primary election on Aug. 6. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 17th episode: Visit Tupelo 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 Hey 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.

What does it take to rebuild communities and create real economic opportunity in Los Angeles? Tune in for an insightful conversation with Nicole Williams, Executive Director of LISC LA, as we explore how innovative programs are helping communities grow and thrive.Moments with Marianne Radio Show airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio Affiliate!  https://www.kmet1490am.comNicole Williams spearheads the LISC LA office, which has invested nearly $1.6 billion in affordable housing, small businesses, economic development, health, education, community safety and jobs throughout Los Angeles over the last 36 years. Williams' background spans finance, government and community-focused nonprofits, all of which she will draw on to lead LISC LA. Most recently, she was senior vice president and head of nonprofit banking for Banc of California, where she built a line of business focused on nonprofits and community development financial institutions (CDFIs) in California. https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles/To learn more about the show and interview opportunities contact us at: https://www.mariannepestana.com 

The latest Vanderbilt poll was released yesterday, revealing that 56% of Nashville residents think the city is on the wrong track. On today's Friday News Roundup, Host Marie Cecile Anderson is joined by contributor Nicole Williams and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to analyze the vibes. Plus: What's with the CVS ad blitz? What bills died in the TN General Assembly this week? What does Cameron Sexton want to do with our money? And would owning a pet raccoon make it all feel better? Learn more about the sponsors of this March 25th episode:Political Gabfest 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 the Tennessee General Assembly to Tennessee State University, March Madness is everywhere. Host Marie Cecile Anderson, contributor Nicole Williams, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are on today's Friday News Roundup breaking down the NES Board's special treatment, some odd happenings on the Hill, new proposals to fix our child care crisis, and the candidates set for this November's state and federal elections. Plus, what we know about detained Nashville Noticias journalist Estefany Rodriguez. TDOT is requesting public comment on their I-24 Choice Lane project. Leave your thoughts here. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 13th episode: Nashville Symphony Country Music Hall of Fame Check out our new City Cast podcast, Your City Could Be Better on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by CEO David Plotz, this week's episode features Jacoby Cochran from City Cast Chicago talking with Mike Schaffer from City Cast DC about body cams and cooperation between local police and federal forces.  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.

Nicole Williams lives at the place where care and courage meet. As a registered nurse, wellness advocate, mother of three, and woman living with multiple sclerosis, she brings both clinical insight and lived truth to every conversation. In this interview, Nicole shares what it means to educate, empower, and show up fully for others while learning, every day, how to do the same for herself.Featured in 'The Solidarity Edition' of AwareNow Magazine: www.awarenowmagazine.comGuest: Nicole WilliamsHost: Allié McGuireMusic by: Ziv MoranProduced by: AwareNow Media

The 2026 Design Live Thrive Summit brings together 25+ expert coaches for three days of live transformation, February 12-14. This free virtual event is designed for women ready to step into their purpose with clarity and confidence. In this pre-summit episode, Debbie Shadid and Thais Glenn introduce you to seven more incredible speakers who will guide you through real strategies that create lasting change. These coaches bring both professional expertise and lived experience. They've walked the path themselves.Here's what you'll discover at the summit:Breaking free from food addiction when you know what to do but can't follow through with Glenna Lashley, faith-based weight loss coach and family nurse practitioner who lost 255 pounds and kept it off for 8 yearsNavigating the financial and emotional complexities of widowhood with clarity and confidence with Kathleen Stapleton, CFP®, Registered Investment Advisor, insurance and tax advisorUnderstanding what's really happening with your hormones and metabolism after 50 when doctors say "everything looks normal" with Norma Rivera, functional health practitionerHealing and returning to work after pregnancy loss when the workplace offers minimal support with Lisa Kelly, grief coach specializing in workplace griefReclaiming your health, energy, and identity when chronic health challenges have left you feeling lost with Sharon Hoyland, female health identity coach and registered nurseResetting your life in midlife by organizing your time, space, and mindset with Monique Horb, professional organizer and life coachFinding life balance and giving yourself grace through major life transitions with Nicole Williams, life coach and mindset transformation coachShifting to a future self mindset and aligning your present with the life you want to create with Thais Glenn, mindset coach and summit co-hostBuilding a profitable boutique coaching business and discovering what it takes to become a coach with Debbie Shadid, business coach and summit hostEach coach has developed proven frameworks to help you create the transformation you're seeking.Saturday features an exclusive two-hour event for coaches only, where Debbie and Thais will teach you how to build a boutique-style coaching business that attracts ideal clients and creates sustainable income.Register free at designlivethrive.com. Upgrade to VIP for just $27 to schedule 30-minute coaching sessions with any speaker and access replays for a full year.Save your seat now: designlivethrive.comConnect with DebbieWebsite: https://www.debbieshadid.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbieshadid/Listen to the podcast Life Coach Business Building School: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/life-coach-business-building-school-with-debbie-shadid/id1502118085Don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes on coaching business strategy for women over 50, tech tools for coaches, and simple businessTired of spinning in indecision about what to post, how to sell your coaching, or explain what you do? This is your moment!Join me for a live edition of Fast Track + VIP coaching experiences where you'll get real-time feedback on your niche, offers, and marketing, plus the clarity and support you've been looking for.Spots are limited and enrollment closes soon.Let's connect → DebbieShadid.com/schedule

As a freezing and frustrating week for Nashville draws to a close, we're giving you the latest updates on today's Friday News Roundup. Host Marie Cecile Anderson, City Cast contributor Nicole Williams and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are debunking the rumors and analyzing our city's response to the disaster thus far. Plus: Hot Chicken Week got extended, y'all, don't worry! Visit our running resource page of opportunities to help and be helped here. Donate to the United Way and Community Foundation Winter Storm Recovery Fund at UnitedWayGN.org Donate to NewsChannel 5's Winter Storm Relief Fund in partnership with Hands On Nashville and Second Harvest by texting NC5 to 50155. Get information on discounted hotel rates here. If you need assistance with ANYTHING, call 211 or visit nashvilleresponds.com. Report power outages to NES by texting OUT to 637797. Please reserve 911 for emergencies, including downed power lines. For non-emergencies, call 311 or visit hubNashville.  Metro has opened emergency warming locations at fire stations and community centers. These will be open 24/7. Bring what you need to stay as long as you need. To request a ride to a warming shelter, call 615-401-1712. 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 Hey 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.

“Send Coach John a message”I have always loved mornings.  Looking back as a little kid, I knew I was a morning person early on in my life. This post from The Mindfulness Meditation Institute (@TrainingMindful) helped me to remember one of many reasons why I connect with mornings.  “Every morning, we get a chance to be different.  A chance to change. A chance to be better. Your past is your past. Leave it there. Get on with the future part.” - Nicole Williams said this. It's a reminder for all of us that we can start out our day differently than what we've done in the past. It's a new opportunity to continue great things or to start over with something new and great!  I like this reminder from the standpoint of always looking to be better and do better.  I need this reminder for the simple fact that I can start my days out in a positive and awesome direction. I know you can too.  Thanks for listening.  Please take a few moments to subscribe & share this with someone, also leave a 5 Star rating on Apple Podcasts and ITunes or other services where you find this show.  Find me on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/coachtoexpectsuccess/   on Twitter / “X”:  @coachtosuccess   and on Instagram at:  @coachjohndaly  - My YouTube Channel is at: Coach John Daly.   Email me at: CoachJohnDalyPodcast@gmail.com     You can also head on over to https://www.coachtoexpectsuccess.com/ and get in touch with me there on my homepage along with checking out my Top Book list too.  Other things there on my site are being worked on too.  Please let me know that you are reaching out to me from my podcast.  ** I would appreciate anyone to try clicking on the top of the show notes where it says "Send us a text" to leave a few thoughts / comments / questions.  It's a new feature that I'd like to see how it works. **

Tuesday night's election was the story of the week, with all eyes on the race between State Representative Aftyn Behn and Republican winner Matt Van Epps. For today's Friday News Roundup, host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are joined by contributor Nicole Williams to talk through the highlights and ramifications of that campaign, break down the latest on the MOU between Metro and the Nashville Downtown Partnership — still so many questions! — and of course, there's always more Tunnel Time. Plus: Who's the biggest Boner in Nashville? 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 Hey 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.

On a humid September day in 1997, a man walking his dog discovered the nude body of 26-year-old Tracy Habersham in a ditch near Fort Benning, Georgia. She had been strangled. What investigators couldn't know then was that her death marked the beginning of a six-year killing spree.Part 2 of 2VICTIM PROFILE:Paul Durousseau's victims shared heartbreaking commonalities. They were young African American women—many of them mothers—struggling to build better lives. Tyresa Mack was raising three small children. Nikia Kilpatrick was six months pregnant when she died; her two young sons, aged 11 months and 2 years, were found alive but malnourished beside her body two days later. Shawanda McCalister was also pregnant. These women trusted the wrong person, and that trust cost them everything.CASE SIGNIFICANCE:Between 1997 and 2003, Durousseau used his various jobs—security guard, taxi driver—to identify and gain access to vulnerable women. His method was consistent: gain trust, enter their homes, bind them, sexually assault them, then strangle them with whatever cord was available. A phone cord. A coaxial cable. An extension cord tied in a distinctive military-style slipknot. His victims included Tracy Habersham, Tyresa Mack, Nicole Williams, Nikia Kilpatrick, Shawanda McCalister, Jovanna Jefferson, and Surita Cohen. German authorities also suspect him in additional unsolved murders near U.S. military bases during his Army deployment.CONTENT WARNINGS:This episode contains detailed discussion of sexual assault, strangulation, domestic violence, and child endangerment. Listener discretion is strongly advised.KEY DETAILS:Durousseau was born in Beaumont, Texas in 1970 and experienced significant brain trauma in utero and as a toddler. He was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder.After graduating high school in 1989, he enlisted in the Army in 1992 and was stationed in Germany, where he married fellow soldier Natoca Spann.In 1997, while stationed at Fort Benning, he was arrested for kidnapping and rape but was acquitted. Less than a month later, Tracy Habersham was found murdered—DNA would eventually link Durousseau to her death.RESOURCES:For case documentation, sources, and additional information, visit: https://www.mythsandmalice.com/show/obscura/If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.CREDITS:Research and narration by Justin Drown. Obscura is an independent true crime documentary podcast dedicated to telling the stories of forgotten victims with unflinching honesty and scholarly research. All information presented draws from court records, police reports, and verified news archives.SUPPORT OBSCURA:Join the Obscura community on Patreon for ad-free episodes, extended content, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access: https://www.patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcast/Our Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com* Check out Mind of a Monster: The Killer Nurse: https://podcasts.apple.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On a humid September day in 1997, a man walking his dog discovered the nude body of 26-year-old Tracy Habersham in a ditch near Fort Benning, Georgia. She had been strangled. What investigators couldn't know then was that her death marked the beginning of a six-year killing spree.Part 1 of 2VICTIM PROFILE:Paul Durousseau's victims shared heartbreaking commonalities. They were young African American women—many of them mothers—struggling to build better lives. Tyresa Mack was raising three small children. Nikia Kilpatrick was six months pregnant when she died; her two young sons, aged 11 months and 2 years, were found alive but malnourished beside her body two days later. Shawanda McCalister was also pregnant. These women trusted the wrong person, and that trust cost them everything.CASE SIGNIFICANCE:Between 1997 and 2003, Durousseau used his various jobs—security guard, taxi driver—to identify and gain access to vulnerable women. His method was consistent: gain trust, enter their homes, bind them, sexually assault them, then strangle them with whatever cord was available. A phone cord. A coaxial cable. An extension cord tied in a distinctive military-style slipknot. His victims included Tracy Habersham, Tyresa Mack, Nicole Williams, Nikia Kilpatrick, Shawanda McCalister, Jovanna Jefferson, and Surita Cohen. German authorities also suspect him in additional unsolved murders near U.S. military bases during his Army deployment.CONTENT WARNINGS:This episode contains detailed discussion of sexual assault, strangulation, domestic violence, and child endangerment. Listener discretion is strongly advised.KEY DETAILS:Durousseau was born in Beaumont, Texas in 1970 and experienced significant brain trauma in utero and as a toddler. He was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder.After graduating high school in 1989, he enlisted in the Army in 1992 and was stationed in Germany, where he married fellow soldier Natoca Spann.In 1997, while stationed at Fort Benning, he was arrested for kidnapping and rape but was acquitted. Less than a month later, Tracy Habersham was found murdered—DNA would eventually link Durousseau to her death.RESOURCES:For case documentation, sources, and additional information, visit: https://www.mythsandmalice.com/show/obscura/If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.CREDITS:Research and narration by Justin Drown. Obscura is an independent true crime documentary podcast dedicated to telling the stories of forgotten victims with unflinching honesty and scholarly research. All information presented draws from court records, police reports, and verified news archives.SUPPORT OBSCURA:Join the Obscura community on Patreon for ad-free episodes, extended content, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access: https://www.patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcast/Our Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The longest federal shutdown in U.S. history is over. How did Nashvillians take care of each other along the way? City Cast contributor Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to assess our response. Plus, a social worker resigned rather than keep working with the Office of Homeless Services, early voting is now open in the TN-07 Congressional race, and one of the city's most beloved restaurants, Margot Café & Bar, is closing next year. PS did you see the northern lights?? Early voting in the TN-07 Congressional race is open now! Here are the times and locations. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 14th episode: Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST 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 Hey 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.

I spoke with Nicole Williams, a Philadelphia activist and organizer with Mt. Airy Community Fridge & Pantry about the work that the community fridge does as mutual aid and about mutual aid more broadly.  Music is by Evan Schaeffer. 

The Nashville Innovation Alliance got a boost from the mayor recently, but, uh, what is it? And why does it involve genetic information? City Cast contributor Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to try and figure that out. Plus, the Boring Co. has a strange sense of the word “confidential,” the law threatening elected officials with jail time for supporting “sanctuary policies” is unconstitutional, and an Eric Clapton fan had a big night out. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 12th episode: Huel - Save 15% with code NASHVILLE 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 Hey 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 business owner alleging that District 1 Councilmember Joy Smith Kimbrough asked him for $500,000 in exchange for her support of a project has filed a formal ethics complaint against Kimbrough. City Cast Nashville contributor Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to explain how that works. Plus: The city removed handmade downtown benches; the race for TN-07 has some front-runners; new reporting on the Tesla tunnels puts Mayor O'Connell in the hot seat; and should buses be free? Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 29th episode: Overlook Maps 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 Hey 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 route for The Boring Company's Tesla tunnels might put the endangered Nashville crayfish in Mill Creek at risk, but they've started digging anyway. City Cast Nashville contributor Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for this week's edition of Tunnel Time, and helps us understand the controversy surrounding a school board decision to settle with MNPS employees alleging wrongful termination. We're also talking “misogynistic” school dress codes, the long-awaited sale of Carl Icahn's scrapyard, and Taylor Swift's new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” Vote for City Cast Nashville as Best Podcast in the Nashville Scene's 2025 Best of Nashville awards! You must vote in 20 categories for your vote to count. 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. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card, and City Cast City swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 15th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST 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 Hey 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.

Air Canada says it expects to cancel 500 flights by Friday evening, as a weekend flight attendant strike looms. CBC's Nicole WIlliams has the latest. And the Canadian Federation of Independent Business discusses the impacts of the strike on small businesses. Plus, U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday for talks on ending Russia's war in Ukraine. Russia expert Keir Giles discusses what to expect from that meeting.

With Nashville's downtown library still closed after last month's fire, where can our unhoused neighbors go to escape the heat? Host Marie Cecile Anderson talks with Nashville Scene columnist and City Cast Nashville contributor Nicole Williams and producer Daniel Sumstine about heat relief, a proposed expansion of license plate readers, a new federal ruling on Tennessee's abortion law, the possibility of more ICE activity in town, and how the new “Direct Admissions” college program. Plus: tax-free weekend tips and some good news to end your week. If you enjoyed today's interview with Nashville Zoo's Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Jim Bartoo, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 25th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge 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 Hey 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.

Guest Links- Nicole Williams on Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolewilliams_lcsw_cpc Nicole Williams on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nicole_williams_lcsw/ Lisa Carpenter's site - https://lisacarpenter.ca/ Lisa Carpenter on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lisacarpenterinc/?hl=en Full Frontal Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-full-frontal-living-podcast-with-lisa-carpenter/id1455231729 Jim Fortin's site - https://www.jimfortin.com/ Jim Fortin's podcast - https://www.jimfortin.com/podcast/ Carla Robertson, Living Wild and Precious - https://www.livingwildandprecious.com/ Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: Our website: https://www.traildames.com The Summit: https://www.traildamessummit.com The Trail Dames Foundation: https://www.tdcharitablefoundation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traildames/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/traildames/ Hiking Radio Network: https://hikingradionetwork.com/ Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hikingradionetwork/ Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters "Dance Upon This Earth" https://www.theburnssisters.com

Who's in charge of the future East Bank Boulevard? It's a potato that's hotter than this weather. Nashville Scene columnist and City Cast Nashville contributor Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for the latest on that, the surprising news about who's paying too much in taxes, the lawsuit seven Metro Councilmembers just filed against the state, and more. Plus, happy Pride, y'all! Learn more about the sponsors of this June 27th episode: Nashville Zoo Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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.

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Tuesday roundup of workplace culture, behavioural science, and real-world leadership challenges. This week, we're digging into:

The runaway zebra remains at large as CMA Fest descends upon our town, and Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for today's Friday News Roundup. Tuesday's marathon Metro Council meeting featured over a hundred residents asking for a fair shake in the city's budget, as well as some pointed comments about a council member who's under fire; Sen. Marsha Blackburn is the latest to join the pile-on of Mayor O'Connell; and Old Tent City was officially closed earlier this week. But wait — are we “fake news”?   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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.

Congressman Andy Ogles is calling for an investigation of the mayor and threatening local officials in the wake of this month's ICE activity. City Cast Nashville contributor and Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to talk through the fallout from that, as well as catch up on other Metro news and break down our picks for Memorial Day Weekend. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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.

It's been a tense week filled with ICE operations in South Nashville, including Sunday's enforcement action that detained a reported 94 people. Host Marie Cecile Anderson, executive producer Whitney Pastorek, and Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams break down Wednesday night's specially-called Public Health and Safety Committee meeting, where outraged residents and Metro Council members grilled city leadership about the events leading up to Sunday and how they plan to protect Nashville residents in the future. Plus, good news! Learn more about the sponsors of this May 9th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Cheekwood Estate & Gardens Music City Rodeo Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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 Republicans are banning legal hemp products, the state budget passed with a curious exception, and what are the 48 most classic Nashville dishes of all time? Host Marie Cecile Anderson, executive producer Whitney Pastorek, and Metro Council contributor Nicole Williams are talking about all that and more on today's Friday News Roundup. Don't forget to come see us at Fridays by the River tonight! Learn more about the sponsors of this April 18th episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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.

It's been a crazy weather week that's still not over. On today's Friday News Roundup, host Marie Cecile Anderson, executive producer Whitney Pastorek, and Metro Council contributor Nicole Williams catch you up on our storms and flooding, discuss the financial settlements reached at Tuesday's Metro Council meeting, and with the State of the City address on the horizon, we discuss what we'd like to hear from our mayor. And hey! Weather permitting, today is the first night of Fridays By the River, presented by City Cast Nashville! Come say hi! Learn more about the controversy at Nashville General Hospital here. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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 a city where neighborhoods are begging for sidewalks, the residents of Belle Meade Boulevard are suing to stop one. Plus, the state is still trying to cut our Metro Council in half, Ag Day on the Hill was once again a classic photo opportunity (click here to see the photo of Gov. Bill Lee referenced in the episode), and we're updating you on the bills that caught our eye in the TNLeg this week. Nashville Scene columnist and City Cast Nashville contributor Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to help make sense of it all.  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 21st episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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.

Nicole Williams shares about her dissertation work on communal violence and the ways it manifests itself in the present. Both Jon and Nicole discuss the positive and negative aspects of this and how a generation disconnected from its past is unlikely to resist tyranny. To Support the Podcast: https://www.worldviewconversation.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastFollow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/Our Sponsors:* Check out NordVPN: https://nordvpn.com/matter* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code HARRIS for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

And now, the exciting conclusion of Metro Council's two-part Fusus cliffhanger! Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams joins us to talk through the latest local news, including poorly-timed cuts to the National Weather Service, the threatened closure of a local Social Security office, and a weird group home in DC being run by local car dealer Lee Beaman. Finally, we're celebrating being named the 6th most sinful state in the nation by discussing where in Nashville we'd like to indulge in the 7 deadly ones. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 7th episode: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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 thrilling Metro Council meeting this week ended in a cliffhanger, as CMs voted to adjourn due to snow in the middle of the Fusus guardrails debate. Contributor and Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for more on that, and a Historic Zoning Commission realignment that caused confusion. Plus, students speak out about safety and book bans, the Trump Administration's funding cuts and DEI mandates impact local schools, and we're not so sure about Restaurant Week. Read more about students' thoughts on safety, book bans, and Vanderbit's response to the elimination of DEI. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 21st episode:  Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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.

After a Metro Council meeting that reached “Parks & Rec”-style levels of hilarity, contributor Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to catch us up on what went down. Plus we've got the newly-filed bills that caught our eye at the legislature this week — including Pot for Potholes! — and a vibe check that includes Kroger, In-N-Out, and the chance to catch a real live Puppy Bowl at the Zoo on Sunday. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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've got the latest updates on Wednesday's tragic Antioch High School shooting, and Metro Council contributor Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to run down what happened at Tuesday's first Metro Council meeting of 2025 — and explain a new state bill that could see local officials hit with felonies for simply casting a vote. Plus, we found some good news, from Silver Sands, Nate Bargatze, and our favorite community fridge. The family of Antioch shooting victim Josselin Corea Escalante has set up a GoFundMe to cover the return of her body to Guatemala. Donate here. We're doing a 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. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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.  Learn more about the sponsors of this January 22nd episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

We promised drama at Tuesday's Metro Council meeting and it delivered — although not in the way we expected. Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for the final Friday News Roundup of 2024. She's explaining why Morgan Wallen's sign got approved without discussion and how a resolution involving public safety departments sparked emotions. Nicole and Whitney also go long on the “Survivor” finale (where local Titans beat reporter Sam Phalen made the final three), Marie alerts us to Justin Timberlake's wardrobe malfunction at Bridgestone, and everyone shares their New Year's resolutions for Nashville. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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.  Learn more about the sponsor of this Dec. 20th episode: Tecovas

Shownotes: In this PART 2 episode, Nicole opens up about her personal journey of healing and self-discovery. She delves deep into her relationship with her mother, exploring how childhood experiences shaped her views on femininity and intimacy. Nicole shares powerful insights from recent psychedelic experiences that helped her release judgments and find compassion for her mother. The episode covers themes of ancestral healing, redefining femininity, and Nicole's evolution in dating and relationships as she steps more fully into her power as a woman. Listeners will be inspired by Nicole's vulnerability and the transformative power of doing inner work. Highlights: - Nicole's childhood experiences with her mother and how they impacted her views on women - Insights from recent mushroom ceremonies with her mother  - Healing ancestral trauma and mother-daughter wounding - Redefining femininity and embracing all aspects of self - Nicole's journey to feel worthy and "like a goddess" in relationships - The importance of having compassion for our parents - Strategies for dating with intention and raising your standards - How to approach sexuality and intimacy from a place of empowerment - The value of gratitude in personal growth and relationships Connect with Nicole: Instagram: @⁠nicolethepole⁠ & ⁠@nicolethesoulcoach⁠ Website: ⁠www.nicolethepole.com ⁠ Student to performer Masterclass: ⁠https://my-site-106984-106517.square.site/product/-recording-how-to-go-from-student-to-performer-manifest-dream-opportunities/12?cs=true&cst=custom⁠ Committed to Self Challenge on IG:  ⁠https://ig.me/j/AbZQ2ivmM01o1a6L/⁠ Connect with Josefina: Instagram: ⁠@Josefinabashout⁠ Website: ⁠josefinabashout.com

In this episode we dive deep with Nicole Williams, also known as Nicole “ThePole,” a luminary in the pole dance world whose journey from a personal trainer to a pole dance icon encapsulates the essence of empowerment and transformation. Nicole's story is not just about ascending to stardom through her appearances on high-profile shows like The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Access Hollywood or teaching celebrities the art of pole dance. It's a narrative of self-discovery, embracing femininity, and breaking barriers in the fitness and dance world. Join us as Nicole shares her inspiring journey, from teaching herself pole dance moves through YouTube videos to opening Allure Dance and Fitness, one of Los Angeles' pioneer pole studios.  Throughout the episode, Nicole's passion for her craft and her dedication to empowering others shines through, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of movement, empowerment, and personal growth. Nicole also shares tips for beginners interested in exploring pole dancing and how to approach it with an open heart and mind.  Discover how Nicole turned her passion into a movement that empowers women to embrace their strength, grace, and sensuality. Stay tuned for PART 2, where we'll delve into the more personal aspects of Nicole's life and journey… Highlights: - Empowerment Through Movement: Nicole discusses how pole dancing has become a powerful platform for self-expression and empowerment. - Teaching Philosophy: Insight into Nicole's teaching methods, her connection with students, and how she fosters a positive and empowering learning environment. - Breaking Stereotypes: How Nicole's journey challenges the preconceived notions about pole dancing. - Vision for the Future: Nicole shares her hopes and dreams for the future of pole dance as a recognized form of fitness and art. Connect with Nicole: Instagram: @nicolethepole & @nicolethesoulcoach Website: www.nicolethepole.com  Student to performer Masterclass: https://my-site-106984-106517.square.site/product/-recording-how-to-go-from-student-to-performer-manifest-dream-opportunities/12?cs=true&cst=custom Committed to Self Challenge on IG:  https://ig.me/j/AbZQ2ivmM01o1a6L/ Connect with Josefina: Instagram: @Josefinabashout Website: josefinabashout.com

On today's Friday News Roundup, we're doing a speed run down the Nov. 5 ballot, and reading your responses to the question, “Why do you or do you not vote?” City Cast Nashville contributor and Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to catch us up on Metro Council drama and look ahead to the next meeting. Plus: How Nashville was at the center of baseball's biggest scandal this week. Thanks to Tecovas, our Western wear faves, for being our exclusive launch sponsor! Election Day is Nov. 5. Here is a sample ballot. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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.

On today's Friday News Roundup, producer Marie Cecile Anderson and EP Whitney Pastorek are joined by City Cast Nashville contributor and Metro Council columnist Nicole Williams, who's helping us celebrate the current Metro Council's first year in office by grading their progress. We've also got info on the sticky situation unfolding at the Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery — where the creator of their acclaimed “Journey to Jubilee” tour says her work is being altered to make white folks more comfortable — and a roundup of trusted nonprofits and mutual aid orgs you should consider donating to as recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Helene continues in the eastern part of our state.  And stick around after the roundup for our Don't Go Gently tip for the weekend, presented by our exclusive launch sponsor, Tecovas. Nashville Oktoberfest takes over Germantown this weekend! It's the longest continually running party in the Southeast, slinging beers, brats, and schnitzel since 1980. General admission tickets start at $10 — beer and food is extra — and don't miss the Dachshund Derby on Sunday in Bicentennial Park. We recommend a rideshare for this event, since parking is bonkers and you'll probably be imbibing. Make good choices and have fun! And hey — don't go gently, go in Tecovas! The deadline to register to vote for November's Federal and State election is Oct. 7. Register, check your status, or update your information at govotetn.com. Here are some of the organizations we mentioned in our relief roundup: East Tennessee Foundation Community Foundation of Western NC Georgia VOAD BeLoved Asheville PODER Emma ShowerUp Nashville World Central Kitchen By the way, we'd love for you to write in and tell us why you vote — or don't vote — for a special episode we're planning.  Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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. 

On this week's Friday News Roundup, executive producer Whitney Pastorek and producer Marie Cecile Anderson are joined by Metro Council contributor Nicole Williams for an update on Council's recommendation that MNPD adopt a zero-tolerance sexual misconduct policy, as well as the four anti-Nazi bills recently proposed by the mayor. We've also got your preview of the Nashville Film Festival, updates on Old Tent City and Wasioto Park, and some exciting new restaurants to check out. Plus, there's a contestant from Nashville on the new season of “Survivor”! And stick around after the roundup for our Don't Go Gently tip for the weekend, presented by our exclusive launch sponsor, Tecovas. Two incredible festivals are in full swing this weekend: AmericanaFest and the Nashville Film Festival. While the headlining artists and big-name films may already be sold out, it's the perfect time to discover something new. On Saturday, start your evening at 7 p.m. at Mirror Mirror on Lebanon Pike to catch Norwegian alt-pop duo Ask Carol, and then head to the Regal Green Hills Theater to creep yourself out with the block of Graveyard Shift Shorts that starts at 9 p.m. Don't go gently, go in Tecovas! The deadline to register to vote for November's Federal and State elections is Oct. 7. Register, check your status, or update your information at govotetn.com. By the way, we'd love for you to write in and tell us why you vote — or don't vote — for a special episode we're planning.  Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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 Scene columnist and City Cast Nashville Metro Council contributor Nicole Williams joins host Grace Fuisz and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for the Friday News Roundup. They're breaking down the big rules change that Council passed this week — you now must present proof of Tennessee residency to speak at public comment — and wondering why, exactly, the military is planning some big loud urban warfare exercises at the former city nursing home in Bordeaux. There's Good News and Bad News for Metro Parks, with the push from local indigenous groups to rename Cumberland Park clearing its first hurdle, but plenty of frustration over the news that street outreach groups who support our unhoused neighbors living on Parks property must now apply for a permit just to hand out some bottles of water. And finally, they debate the merits of “Hug Nashville,” hubNashville's new home for compliments and suggestions. Will Nicole's grinch heart grow three sizes this day?  And stick around after the roundup for our Don't Go Gently tip for the weekend, presented by our exclusive launch sponsor, Tecovas. Do you like watching people in kilts throw heavy things? You're in luck: The Middle Tennessee Highland Games are happening at Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville! But it's not just caber tossing and stone putting — they've got a bagpipe competition, Scotch tastings, live Highland coos, and tons of great Celtic vendors to round out your day. Local Scottish clans will even help you research your ancestry to find out if you're family. Don't go gently, go in Tecovas! Need to register to vote for the November election? Visit govotetn.com. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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. 

Mint Gallery in Atlanta has closed its doors, suddenly and sloppily. How could this happen to such a well known, well used space? Studio Noize has recorded episodes there. Your boy JBarber had his thesis show there. There was a history and reputation to the gallery. Today we bring back Jasmine Nicole Williams, aka Jiggy Jas, back for an emergency episode of Studio Noize. We unload our thoughts on the closing of Mint and how poorly it was all handled. We discuss the precarious nature of being an artist and how devastating it can be to have your life and livelihood threatened by bad business. We talk about the changing landscape of arts funding, the need for community and the courage it takes to advocate for yourself and your fellow artists. Listen, subscribe, and share!Episode 191 topics include:the chaos of Mint Gallery closingnon-profit arts fundinghow poor leadership effects working artistsbeing transparentthe dream of having a studiowhat creates culturewhat comes from the chaosJasmine Nicole Williams is a Black American visual artist and organizer from Atlanta, GA. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Art in Printmaking from the University of West Georgia in 2017. Her work explores her southern, black, and femme identities through printmaking and murals to inspire people to dive deeper into their humanity.Influenced by the work of artists like Elizabeth Catlett and Emory Douglas, Jasmine believes in the transformative power of portraiture, print, and public art. She understands the role of art and the need for that art to be accessible to the people as a tool to advance the working-class struggle. With a deep interest in craft and process, Jasmine makes dignified work that reflects and relates to everyday people and injects them with a spirit of optimism toward the future.Since receiving her BFA, Jasmine's work has been showcased at Prizm Art Fair, Perez Museum Miami, ZuCot Gallery, Eyedrum, MINT Gallery, and Echo Contemporary. She has received residencies from Hambidge and Midtown Alliance. She was awarded grants from RedBull, Sprite, WISH ATL, and Dream Warriors Foundation and fellowships from Southern Graphics Council International and TILA Studios. She has worked with [adult swim] and Nike. Currently, Jasmine is the 2023 recipient of the Living Walls Abroad Fellowship. Jasmine continues her practice in Atlanta, GA.See more: Rough Draft Atlanta: MINT Gallery abruptly closes its doors at MET Atlanta + AJC: Mint gallery closed suddenly, leaving artists scrambling and unhappy + Jasmine Williams website + Jasmine Williams IG @jn.ooomamiFollow us:StudioNoizePodcast.comIG: @studionoizepodcastJamaal Barber: @JBarberStudioSupport the podcast www.patreon.com/studionoizepodcast

Nashville Scene columnist and City Cast Nashville Metro Council contributor Nicole Williams is back for today's Friday News Roundup! She joins host Grace Fuisz and producer Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about the East Bank Development Authority, the recent protests happening around town — from striking AT&T workers to people with disabilities demanding better transit access — and the criminal mastermind who got arrested this week thanks to surveillance footage of him vandalizing the rainbow crosswalk outside Lipstick Lounge while driving his work van. Plus: don't miss the return one of our favorite new segments: Real or Fake Tennessee Headlines! [crowd goes wild] And stick around after the roundup for our Don't Go Gently tip for the weekend, presented by our exclusive launch sponsor, Tecovas. This weekend, we're recommending that you lend a helping hand at the 12th annual Community Beautification Day in North Nashville. You can sign up here, or check out our article on other volunteering opportunities if you can't make it. Don't go gently, go in Tecovas! Best of Nashville voting is now open, and we'd love your consideration as Best Podcast. Vote here! Need to register to vote for the November election? Visit govotetn.com. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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. 

When Scorpio besties link up, you know some real tea is about to be spilled! This week, we're joined by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2023 Rookie of the Year, Founder of the Luxury Swimwear Brand Nia Lynn & Star of WAGS on E!, Nicole Williams English as she shares her personal journey of becoming a model, regrets she has from being on a reality TV show, what it was like to shoot for SI Swimsuit for the first time while pregnant, why she waited to have a baby and how she balances being a full time mom while having a career. We'll also talk the honest truth behind fertility doctors & genetic testing and get into your relationship advice questions! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's Friday News Roundup, host Grace Fuisz is joined by executive producer Whitney Pastorek and one of our favorite contributors, Metro Council expert and Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams. We've got your update on all the drama from this week's Council meeting, ways you can step up and get involved locally as a Metro board member or campaign volunteer, and the scoop on why the FBI seized Congressman Andy Ogles' cell phone. Plus, we debut our newest segment, 1-Star Reviews of Iconic Nashville Institutions, because Nicole is our game show guinea pig. And stick around after the roundup for our Don't Go Gently tip for the weekend, presented by our exclusive launch sponsor, Tecovas. This week, we're recommending you grab breakfast on Saturday at Sky Blue Cafe in East Nashville ahead of the Tomato Art Fest parade. Have questions about contacting your Metro Council member? Email Nicole! Need to register to vote for the November election? Visit govotetn.com. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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've got Nashville Scene columnist and Metro Council expert Nicole Williams in the house on this Metro Council Tuesday with a preview of things to watch at tonight's meeting, including a big age discrimination settlement and some important food truck news. She also joins host Grace Fuisz and producer Marie Cecile Anderson for our wrap up of Burger Week 2024 (until next year, Burger Queen), and the debut of our new game show segment, “Real or Fake Tennessee Headlines?” Early voting for the August 1 primary election is open now through July 27!  Here is a sample ballot for the Aug. 1 election with early voting locations and hours. Here is a non-partisan voter guide for the Aug. 1 election. Request an absentee ballot here. The deadline for the Aug. 1 election is July 25th. The USPS recommends mailing the form no later than July 18th. Check your voter registration here. If you haven't yet registered to vote, you cannot vote in the Aug. 1 election — but you can still register for the Nov. 5th federal election.   Thanks to Tecovas, our Western wear faves, for being our exclusive launch sponsor! Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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. 

Welcome to Episode 103 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering! Today I'm chatting with Nicole Williams. Nicole is an author, speaker, and forgiveness coach, is committed to helping people transform their lives by letting go of resentment, anger, and paralyzing unforgiveness. She's developing a six-week course, Forgiveness School: Finding Freedom From the Things that Hold Us Back, to help people in difficult relationships go from struggling to empowered. Nicole is also the author of Rise Up: Believing God When the World is Falling Apart.* Some of the resources we mention in this episode include: Tell Me the Dream Again by Tasha Jun* We Were the Lucky Ones on Netflix The Moth Podcast Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott*   You can connect with Nicole via: Instagram: @ms.nicolewilliams Subscribing to msnicolewilliams.com. You can gain access to free devotional resources and stay updated on the launch of Forgiveness School. Just a reminder that you can connect with me via: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My website: ⁠andreafortenberry.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠@andreafortenberry⁠ ⁠My email newsletter⁠ *Affiliate Link --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andreafortenberry/support

Nashville Scene columnist and Metro Council expert Nicole Williams joins host Grace Fuisz and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to give us the rundown of what's on the Council agenda for tonight's meeting. Plus: We give you the scoop on the Catalyst Fund — an exciting new loan program designed to incentivize the building and protection of affordable housing — and allow ourselves to imagine what we would do if we found a million dollars under our name at ClaimItTN.gov, the website where the state is diligently working to return missing money to its rightful owners. Thanks to Tecovas, our Western wear faves, for being our exclusive launch sponsor!  You can read the agenda for tonight's Metro Council meeting here. You can find out who your Metro Council member is here. Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey 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.