Podcasts about wpln

The roots of our community are more tangled than the history that's traditionally been told. Plus the local news for June 26, 2026 and how The Hermitage talks about slavery. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Dry conditions could harm Tennessee's farmers, or precipitation could turn things around. Plus the local news for June 25, 2026 and expanding access to the arts. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

What started as an air force base is now Tennessee's third-largest airport, but you probably will never fly in or out of it. Plus the local news for June 24, 2026 and this week's edition of What Where Whens-Day Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Tennessee scientists are among the researchers studying glaciers and microbes in one of the world's most remote locations, but this state also has construction and adventuring links to the Southernmost continent. Plus the local news for June 23, 2026 and Health Q on early onset cancer. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Some are on the rise, some are falling slightly, but every Midstate city has to grapple with the question of taxes when they make a new budget each June. Plus the local news for June 22, 2026 and Nashville Pride. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Have you ever looked closely at your Tennessee driver's license? There might be something surprising in the fine print. Curious Nashville listener Sam Barocas used his microscope to find it. And then he asked:Why is there a microscopic typo on the Tennessee driver's license?In some instances — likely on millions of licenses — a thin ribbon of text reads “The VolunDeer State.” With a ‘d.'Among the theories: It's a genuine mistake. It's an intentional security feature. It's an easter egg tucked in by a mischievous designer. WPLN's Justin Barney helps Curious Nashville get to the bottom of this mystery. 

Tennessee's roads take their shape thanks to buffalo migrations, privately-developed turnpikes and a desire to link rural communities to interstates. Plus the local news for June 18, 2026 and a new kind of dividing line in North Nashville. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

There was a time when one new building could capture the whole city's attention. Now, the skyline is growing by leaps and bounds. Plus the local news for June 17, 2026 and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Before the Japanese soccer team picked Nashville as its World Cup home base, hundreds of businesses from that company opened facilities here. Plus the local news for June 16, 2026 and Health Q on mental health for kids. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Have you ever looked closely at your Tennessee driver's license? There might be something surprising in the fine print.Curious Nashville listener Sam Barocas used his microscope to find it. And then he asked the question that inspired today's show: Why is there a microscopic typo on the Tennessee driver's license?In some instances — likely on millions of licenses — a thin ribbon of text reads "The Volundeer State." With a 'd.'"And I saw that and I was like, 'Huh? That's funny,' " Barocas says. "How'd that happen?"Among the theories: It's a genuine mistake. It's an intentional security feature. It's an easter egg tucked in by a mischievous designer. WPLN's Justin Barney helps Curious Nashville get to the bottom of this mystery. Then we're staying on the theme of "microscopic Nashville," and learning from experts about other parts of our community that are hiding in plain sight. Justin Barney, culture and music reporter, Nashville Public Radio Dr. Eva Parker, expert on climate change's impact on health and assistant professor of dermatology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center Ross Andrew, associate professor of biology at Belmont University

A return home to Nashville ended President James K. Polk's life. His story only got more complicated afterwards. Plus the local news for June 15, 2026 and armadillos. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Between new developments in the lawsuits and a potential new layer of map revisions, Tennessee's political redistricting saga continues. Plus the local news for June 12, 2026 and Nashville In Harmony breaks new ground. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Public health departments are being ordered by state officials to report the immigration status of children who receive government-funded medical care for critical and terminal illnesses. Plus the local news for June 11, 2026 and why Japan's World Cup home base is Nashville. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Healthcare is all about who is going to pay for it. Because if you can't afford to go to the doctor, you probably won't until it becomes an emergency – which isn't good for the patient or the system. This is a particular problem in rural Tennessee. When there's a hiccup in the system, rural systems may shutter.Healthcare Hollow is a WPLN series that takes an in-depth look at the crisis of rural hospital closings.In this episode, we're focused on who is going to pay for care in rural Tennessee. Those residents are more likely to rely on TennCare (the state's version of federal Medicaid). Post-COVID policy changes have resulted in more people losing TennCare coverage. At the same time, fewer people are keeping insurance under the Affordable Care Act because of the expense.This episode is part of our Healthcare Hollow series, made possible, in part, by the NIHCM Foundation.GuestsGordon Bonnyman, staff attorney & co-founder, Tennessee Justice CenterJackie Shrago, ACA marketplace volunteer navigatorSarah Boden, independent healthcare journalist with KFFKelly Insana, vice president of marketing & communications, Tennessee Hospital Association

From a lawsuit over last summer's library garage explosion to the impromptu interstate fireworks display and a downtown arson spree, here's a roundup of recent happenings on a quite flammable theme. Plus the local news for June 10, 2026 and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The Arnold Air Force base was started with equipment confiscated from German testing grounds and the dreams of an American scientist who pioneered the field of rocketry. Plus the local news for June 9, 2026 and family medical leave. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The fugitive imprisoned for killing a Civil Rights icon, the Nashville lawyer who made Congress reconsider, and a mountain of evidence. Plus the local news for June 8, 2026 and kudzu.  Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Many Nashvillians avoid downtown this week, but there's an argument for giving it a chance once in a while. Plus the local news for June 5, 2026 and Ashley Monroe. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

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

Tennessee doesn't have its own minimum wage. That means the base pay amount in this state hasn't changed in almost two decades. Plus the local news for June 4, 2026 and second love.Plus the local news for June 4, 2026 and finding a second love. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Tennessee communities are adopting new policies to deal with a new, power-hungry form of industrial development. Plus the local news for June 3, 2026 and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

With Tennessee and the nation celebrating milestone anniversaries, a new WPLN project takes a curated look at the backstory to today's news stories. Plus the local news for June 2, 2026 and bears. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

We're surrounded by wildlife that tells us something about our ecosystem if we'll take just a moment to stop and smell the roses (or, in this case, take a gander at the kudzu). With our partners in the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom, we're investigating so-called “signal species," starting with the lovable black bear. As their population has rebounded, so have human interactions – both positive and negative.Guests Caroline Eggers, WPLN environmental reporter John Boyle, deputy managing editor, Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom Janelle Musser, black bear support biologist, Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency Mark Thurman, director of conservation collaboratives in Tennessee, The Nature Conservancy

Becoming the 16th state was just the end of a long road of attempts at self-governance in Tennessee. Plus the local news for June 1, 2026 and saving native orchids. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

It takes more than 500 pages for Lamar Alexander to tell the story of his political career, and that's understandable given his 26 years as Tennessee governor and U.S. senator.We'll dig into some untold stories from his new memoir, “The Education of a Senator,” which landed on the New York Times Best Seller list this week and we'll also get his take on the current state of affairs in American politics and take your questions. So, if you'd like to ask a question or comment, join us on air at 615-760-2000 or in the chat at youtube.com/@wpln.Then, we'll wrap this episode with a timely update on congressional redistricting which turns Tennessee's last remaining seat held by a Democrat into one that leans Republican.  Guests Lamar Alexander, former U.S. senator, Tennessee governor, U.S. Education Secretary and president of the University of Tennessee Josh Clinton, Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions, Vanderbilt University Marianna Bacallao, WPLN power and equity reporter

Will Middle Tennessee ever get a theme park again?Comedian Nate Bargatze hopes to build an amusement park in the Nashville area, but many have tried and failed in the years since Opryland closed.Plus the local news for May 27, 2026, and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day.Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio.Host/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Tony GonzalezAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, LaTonya Turner, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

With gas prices skyrocketing, Tennessee's scenic highways and byways offer a road trip option that stays closer to home. Plus the local news for May 26, 2026 and cutting down on screen time. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Taming or harnessing the power of rivers can be great for people, challenging for the environment. Plus the local news for May 22, 2026 and menopause. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Even before the “perfect 36” vote in Tennessee's statehouse clinched ratification of the 19th amendment for the nation's women, Tennesseans were among the advocates that pushed the cause of women's suffrage to the forefront. Plus the local news for May 21, 2026 and a late-in-life transition. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Building new bridges is an essential part of fostering new development where we want it. The opposite is true, too. Plus the local news for May 20, 2026 and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

This year, Tennessee lawmakers tried to install guardrails on artificial intelligence, with mixed results. Plus the local news for May 19, 2026 and Key Changes: R&B Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Before the United States entered the “Great War,” one Tennessean volunteered for service and made history. Plus the local news for May 18, 2026 and preserving Fort Negley. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

There's a piece of infrastructure in downtown Nashville that is about to go away. When it does, there may not be any clues left from a fascinating — and brief — chapter in the city's transportation history.Do you remember when WeGo had a fleet of super-quiet all-electric buses running for free throughout downtown? Bus commuter Joe Pagetta does. He wrote to Curious Nashville with this question:In the not-so-distant past, Nashville used to have a free electric bus circuit called the Music City Circuit, which connected downtown to Bicentennial Mall and the Gulch. And then it just disappeared sometime around COVID. I'm curious about that, but even more curious about the abandoned electric bus charging infrastructure that's still standing … like dystopian props from Old Detroit in Robocop.If there are no plans to bring the electric buses back, what is going to happen to that decaying infrastructure?The question reached the right place, as WPLN has covered the rise and fall of those buses since 2015.

The Barrett “Light Fifty” sniper rifle fires ammunition that can take out a tank. And it was designed as a passion project by a local firearms enthusiast in his free time. Plus the local news for May 15, 2026 and a city-state power grab.  Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Tennessee's direct connection to Israel took a new step this year. Plus the local news for May 14, 2026 and a NextAge look at dating. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

There have been nearly two years of accusations, investigations, ethics complaints and denials over property assessments and tax values in Rutherford County. Plus the local news for May 13, 2026 and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Tax rates are one thing, assessed value is another, but between the two factors, property tax bills are causing lots of heartburn right now. Plus the local news for May 12, 2026 and Big Emma. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Tolbert Fanning built an important means for Christians without a denomination to maintain ties across congregations. Plus the local news for May 11, 2026 and Miracle Fields. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Newly digitized archives show how Fisk University's radio station was founded in a time of openness to revolutionary ideas. Plus the local news for May 8, 2026 and Amy Grant. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The current special session may be the fastest Tennesse's political map has ever been redrawn, but there's a history of changing the lines for party gain. Plus the local news for May 7, 2026 and Key Changes looks at comedic country. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

She might have become known as a political grand dame just for playing an important supporting role in the careers of the men in her family, but this woman decided her place was in the House and Senate, too. Plus, the local news for May 6, 2026, and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The voting portion of this year's election cycle starts today with local primaries and a new wrinkle to picking your primary ballot. Plus, the local news for May 5, 2026, and Curious Nashville finds buried treasure. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Al Capone was a bootlegger, not a moonshiner, but he found a use for the same hilly area used to hide stills from the revenuers. Plus, the local news for May 4, 2026, and Kacey Musgraves.  Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Kacey Musgraves. American Football. Tori Amos. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Jewly Hight from WPLN in Nashville about their favorite albums out Friday, May 1. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.The Starting 5(00:00) Kacey Musgraves, 'Middle of Nowhere'(08:41) American Football, 'American Football (LP4)'(16:25) Isaiah Rashad, 'IT'S BEEN AWFUL'(21:42) Tori Amos, 'In Times of Dragons'(28:09) Ana Roxanne, 'Poem 1'(33:38) The Lightning Round- Jesca Hoop, 'Long Wave Home'- Casper Sage, 'PATINA'- duendita, 'existential thottie'- Maisy Owen, 'Dark on a Sunny Day'- Octo Octa, 'Sigils For Survival'Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.Credits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Jewly Hight, WPLNAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Dora LeviteEditors: Otis Hart, Elle MannionExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedSpecial thanks to Ann Powers and Hazel CillsSee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

The same part of Tennessee where the loss of Voting Rights Acts protections could be felt first was once the sight of a brutal event that spurred passage of the 14th Amendment. Plus the local news for May 1, 2026 and RaDonda Vaught. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

From Diane Nash Plaza and Ronald Reagan Way to the fight over MTSU Forrest Hall, there's a lot riding on the names we give streets and buildings. Plus the local news for April 30, 2026, and a preview of the latest Music Citizens podcast. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

First there was Ed the Zebra, then an oryx on the loose. This time, a woman walking her dog got a little too close of an encounter with an animal you just don't expect to see in this part of the world. Plus the local news for April 29, 2026 and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

108 Tennesseans died because of their work last year, and tens of thousands were injured. Plus the local news for April 28, 2026 and restoring Nashville's urban forest. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The Tennessee General Assembly adjourned for the year last Thursday, and we're digging into what they actually got done. Joining host Marie Cecile Anderson is WPLN power and equity reporter Marianna Bacallao. She'll walk us through the major themes of this year's session, and how the Republican supermajority's bills concerning immigration and control over our city could shape Nashville's future. 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 Early voting is open now 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. If you enjoyed this interview with Supriya Sundaram, the director of growth marketing for TaskRabbit, learn more 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.

Just a day after the General Assembly adjourned last week, one of its longtime members died. Plus the local news for April 27, 2026 and bringing a steam locomotive back to life. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP