Best Nashville Public Radio Podcasts (2024)

1
Your Turn to Talk: Nashville's voter support eco-system 50:43

3h ago50:43

50:43

Often, in places where a bit of extra effort is needed, organizations, community groups and individuals step in to fill in the blanks and help navigate a sometimes confusing tangle of rules and regulations. As the deadline to register to vote for the November election approaches, we look at the most frequently asked questions about voting in Tennes…

1
Folk Music, Friendship, and Fountain Pens: Nerding out with Bruce Molsky & Darol Anger, ep. 29 1:07:23

10h ago1:07:23

1:07:23

The names Bruce Molsky and Darol Anger have come up more often than not when talking to fiddlers on Basic Folk. The pair have single handedly mentored hundreds of our favorites in fiddle music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Darol's online music school, music camps, festivals and more. Darol and Bruce joined us on the occasion of their newes…

1
Accessible Nashville: stories of inclusion and mobility 49:39

4h ago49:39

49:39

AARP ranked the state 47th on the Transportation Livability Index, indicating poor public transit, walkability, and coordination for people with disabilities. This episode looks at how four Nashvillians get around the city and what can be done to make Nashville a city that is truly inclusive of everyone. This episode is produced by David Hooper. Gu…

1
Civically engaged young people 50:46

2h ago50:46

50:46

Today, we’re talking with students who are working together to learn how government functions and young people who are using their voices to raise up concerns and ideas from their schools and neighborhoods. We’ll also check in with student representatives working with the Nashville Metro government. Join us for a special all-student panel! This epi…

1
Basic Folk Presents: American Masters: Creative Spark feat. Jewel 38:37

1h ago38:37

38:37

Editor’s note: Basic Folk is pleased to introduce our listeners to one of our favorite podcasts by sharing an episode in our feed! Do you ever find yourself watching, reading, or listening to something truly amazing and wondering, “How did they do it?”. That's why we wanted to share an episode of American Masters: Creative Spark, the award-winning …

1
Profile: Kristin Mejia 50:43

1d ago50:43

50:43

Doulas are non-medical professionals who can provide trusted support during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the early weeks and months after childbirth. Kristin Mejia founded Nashville-based Homeland Heart Birth & Wellness Collective to offer education and increase the number of doulas locally to improve birth outcomes for women, infants and fam…

1
Your Turn to Talk: Ask the Mayor, plus presidential debates 50:38

7d ago50:38

50:38

Today, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell is in the studio to take your calls and answer your questions. Plus, it’s political debate season, and Tennessee State University professor Josh Shapiro is with us to discuss their efficacy and importance, and answer all your presidential debate-related questions. Are decisions at the ballot box impacted by …

1
Balancing Dreams and Reality: A Folk Debate on Ambition, ep. 278 1:10:27

1d ago1:10:27

1:10:27

Welcome to another edition of Folk Debate Club, our occasional debate series! To discuss Ambition vs Acceptance, we welcome our panel: music journalist Kim Ruehl, Basic Folk boss Cindy Howes, and yours truly Lizzie No. We would like to extend a very warm welcome to our special guests singer-songwriter Michaela Anne & producer Aaron Shafer-Haiss, al…

1
Finding a new career through trade schools and apprenticeships 50:42

1d ago50:42

50:42

From cosmetology to automotive technology, building construction, plumbing, machine maintenance, and even coding, there are many programs right here in Middle Tennessee available to anyone looking to step into a new career. Today, we’re talking with people who chose a trade school or apprenticeship path to hear about their experiences — and about t…

1
United Record Pressing celebrates 75 years 50:42

3d ago50:42

50:42

From Francis Craig and the Beatles to Jackie Shane and Minor Threat, United Record Pressing has made some of the world's most significant records. United CEO and Chairman Mark Michaels is here to tell the story of this unique Nashville-based, American-owned business, and how — thanks to some ingenuity, a few well-timed business decisions, and a who…

1
Connecting Nashville to its sister city, Erbil 50:37

4d ago50:37

50:37

These partnerships strive to connect the people of Nashville to the people of the world. And they follow a nationwide mission established in the 1950s to carry out what’s known as “citizen diplomacy,” under the belief that exchanging cultural ideas builds understanding and fosters international peace. One sister city is Erbil, the capital of the Ku…

1
Jeffrey Foucault remembers Billy Conway with Universal Fire, ep. 277 1:15:02

8d ago1:15:02

1:15:02

In our episode with Wisconsin-born, New England based Jeffrey Foucault, we had a handful of questions for the singer-songwriter about his background: coffee, the midwest and Mark Twain wisdom. Then we talked about Billy Conway for more than an hour. Conway was Foucault's long-time partner in music, drummer and best friend who died from cancer in 20…

1
Re-air: How the four-day workweek works 50:44

19d ago50:44

50:44

Studies show that employee well-being, job satisfaction, retention and productivity all increase with a compressed schedule. In a recent six-month trial in the UK, nearly 90% of companies that gave a four-day workweek a try kept with it over a year later. But is it as good as it sounds? And how exactly does it work across different industries? Toda…

1
Re-air: Worker safety – A cloud over the construction boom 50:58

10d ago50:58

50:58

We’re seemingly full of towering yellow cranes and active construction sites busy with workers using hefty machinery and hoisting heavy materials – often several hundred feet in the air. Tragically, Tennessee is one of the most dangerous states when it comes to construction worker on-the-job injury and deaths. In recent years, the city of Nashville…

1
Your Turn to Talk: Ask the Mayor, plus International Overdose Awareness Day 50:42

15d ago50:42

50:42

Every Thursday, we open up the phone lines because it's Your Turn to Talk. We never know what topics will come up when you call in to ask the mayor a question, but it's always an interesting discussion. Later on, we look at the basics of overdose prevention and learn what local organizations and law enforcement are doing to strengthen the overdose …

1
Amos Lee on Friends, Femininity and Folk Roots, ep. 276 1:05:35

15d ago1:05:35

1:05:35

Throughout his music career, singer-songwriter Amos Lee has cultivated a large female fanbase and also owes a lot of his early start to Norah Jones (a female!). He's about to hit the road co-headlining with folk music and queer icons, The Indigo Girls. In our conversation, he talks about the atmosphere he's going for in concert and it's not a very …

1
My Experience: Single parenthood 50:44

16d ago50:44

50:44

Some step into single parenthood by choice, and others unexpectedly find themselves raising kids on their own. Today, we’re speaking with two single parents here in Nashville about their journeys to parenthood, how they take care of both their kids and themselves, and where they find connection and community. This episode was produced by Katherine …

1
In My Place, Episode 7: Permanent supportive housing 50:18

23d ago50:18

50:18

Over the course of this series, we have taken a closer look at the different aspects of homelessness examining the Housing First philosophy, the interconnectedness of housing and healthcare, prevention efforts, and what hidden homelessness looks like. In today's episode, we focus on the tools available for developers and communities to build suppor…

1
Profile: Rick Clark 50:42

18d ago50:42

50:42

Clark, a well-known Nashville producer, multi-instrumentalist, music supervisor and writer, was born and raised in Memphis — a city he says is utterly baked into him at a cellular level. It was in Memphis where he picked up his first instrument, bought his first dixieland jazz records, and played his first gig. Since then, Clark has gone on to writ…

1
Your Turn to Talk: People power and democracy in action 50:43

22d ago50:43

50:43

Some people say they vote because it’s the least they can do. But what if you want to do more? What other options are available to voice your opinion, advocate for or against issues you care about, and influence policy? And what do you do when the action you take doesn't get the results you want? Do you keep hope alive, or do you let the cynicism c…

1
From Lancaster to the Limelight: The de Vitry Sibling Soundtrack, ep. 275 1:10:35

22d ago1:10:35

1:10:35

Maya, Nina and Lyle de Vitry's life, beginning in Lancaster PA, has been music and family, music festivals with old-time music, songwriting and folk music. The de Vitry siblings (including sister Monica, currently teaching art in Western Mass) grew up amongst music and nature in their rural home and even had a family band called Old-Time Liberation…

1
The history, future and legacy of American Baptist College 50:45

1M ago50:45

50:45

But the legacy and impact of this small HBCU in Nashville often gets overlooked. Now, as ABC celebrates its 100th anniversary, we look at the college’s role in training generations of activists. How has it changed in the decades since the Civil Rights movement? And how can religion and theology be used to advance social justice causes in an increas…

1
The next generation of architects building the new Nashville 50:39

1M ago50:39

50:39

Architects shape skylines and neighborhoods with a vision that can last for centuries. Today, we're speaking with some of Nashville's NextGen architects about their priorities, lessons learned, and the challenges they face building in the New Nashville. This episode was produced by Mary Mancini. GUESTS Amy Hardin, Senior project manager and senior …

1
Basic Folk Presents: The Other 22 Hours - Mary Chapin Carpenter 49:49

24d ago49:49

49:49

Editor’s note: Basic Folk is pleased to introduce our listeners to one of our favorite podcasts by sharing an episode in our feed! The Other 22 hours, hosted by singer/songwriter Michaela Ann and producer Aaron Shafer-Haisse, talks to fellow musicians about the helpful tools and routines the use to stay creative, inspired, and …

1
Profile: Sara Figal 50:42

25d ago50:42

50:42

Sara Figal has always been willing to work hard, follow her passions – and let herself be surprised. She recently retired from being the executive director of the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center, an organization that facilitates mediation to help people and families work together to create solutions to their problems so they don’t have to end …

1
Your Turn to Talk: Media literacy and consumption 50:43

29d ago50:43

50:43

At the state capital, Nashville has a good amount of local news coverage. We’ve also attracted national attention, including multiple conservative outlets and their personalities. So, with a myriad of choices and a never-ending supply of information, what news sources do you use to stay fully and accurately informed? Are you willing to pay for that…

1
Denitia’s Musical Journey: From NYC Streetwear to Nashville’s Vintage Vibes, ep. 274 57:11

29d ago57:11

57:11

Sometimes it strikes me just how much power can emanate from a creative mind. Speaking with Denitia was one of those times. When the indie music artist comes across an unfamiliar musical concept, she goes “sponge mode” until she understands it. Then she seamlessly integrates it into her artistic vocabulary. This relentless curiosity and sense of pl…

1
Checking in with the Covenant moms from Embedded: Supermajority 50:44

30d ago50:44

50:44

After the Covenant School shooting in the spring of 2023, three Covenant moms — Melissa Alexander, Mary Joyce, and Sarah Shoop Neumann — set out to pursue gun reform here in Tennessee. The women were lifetime conservatives and supporters of the Second Amendment. WPLN senior reporter Meribah Knight documented the women’s efforts to impact Tennessee …

1
Black Nashville Assembly… assemble! 50:44

1M ago50:44

50:44

You’ve seen them around town, organizing Black Nashvillians to become greater participants in local, state and national governments. They are not the only organization in town to do this work, but they are one of the most effective. So, who are the folks that make up the BNA? How did they form? What is next for the group? And how important do they …

1
Profile: Pat Boone 50:43

1M ago50:43

50:43

He may have been born in Florida, but Mr. Boone has deep Nashville roots. He attended Lipscomb, had his first performances in Centennial Park, recorded in middle Tennessee, and appeared on Hee Haw. Today, we'll hear from Boone about his singing and film career, his family, his heavy-metal phase and so much more. Join us! Today's episode was produce…

1
Your Turn To Talk Thursday: Power and accountability, from the president to your precinct 50:44

1M ago50:44

50:44

This isn’t the first time they’ve ruled on this issue, with additional decisions on immunity in civil cases given during both the Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton administrations. But what does the ruling actually state? And what degree of immunity do our state and local leaders have? Most importantly, how do we as a country balance immunity with acc…

1
Anna Tivel & Jeffrey Martin: Eyeballs, Ice Cream, and Portland, Oregon, ep. 273 1:15:51

1M ago1:15:51

1:15:51

Anna Tivel and Jeffrey Martin have both released new albums in the past year that have knocked us right over. Living Thing is the most recent Anna Tivel singer-songwriter record and Thank God We Left the Garden being the Jeffrey Martin new album. Of all the singer-songwriter interviews and musician conversations we've done over the course of the po…

1
Turkeys? Wild! 50:38

1M ago50:38

50:38

Wild turkeys are what biologists call an indicator species — meaning its presence in a location is indicative of a healthy ecosystem for all other species, including humans. The turkey is also a significant figure to Native cultures, both spiritually and practically. In the early 1900s, commercial hunting left the wild turkey population decimated, …

1
Quantum science in Middle Tennessee 50:42

2M ago50:42

50:42

Quantum computers can already complete calculations that would take current computers millions of years to solve, and experts say that researchers are on track to cross a game-changing threshold in this new technology by 2030. MTSU recently launched its Quantum Science Initiative and is working with regional partners, including Oak Ridge National L…

1
Profile: Dr. Learotha Williams 50:37

1M ago50:37

50:37

His focus on African American history has led to many discoveries about a hidden and sometimes forgotten past. He is leaned on by city officials, historic foundations, community members and most importantly, his students, to learn about the many people whose lives and work have impacted our city, region, and state. Today, we'll learn more about Dr.…

1
Open Line Thursday: How are you doing this election season? 50:41

1M ago50:41

50:41

How are you staying informed and staying sane as we get closer to November? To lend us a hand we've assembled a panel of experts from the fields of political science, psychology, and American studies to take your calls at 615-760-2000. Join us! Today's guests: Dr. Heather Alesch | Clinical Director, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Nashville Center …

1
Fake Interviews & Real Talk: Matt the Electrician Reinvents Music Marketing, ep. 272 1:01:52

1M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

The world of Austin's Matt the Electrician, aka Matt Sever, is quirky and sincere. Sever is known for his work ethic and vibrant presence in the Austin Texas music scene. Before music was full-time, Matt worked as an actual electrician in between folk music gigs and open mics. He found people were drawn to his skills in the trade, so he decided to …

1
Nashville's Olympic History 50:41

2M ago50:41

50:41

Today, we explore the past and present history of Olympians from Nashville. Who was John Noel, Sr., the first Olympian born in Tennessee to bring home a gold medal in 1924? And how did the Tennessee State University Tigerbelles, the 1960 all-Black women’s track team, find Olympic glory despite turbulent times at home? This episode was produced by K…

1
In My Place, Episode 6: Hidden homelessness 50:34

2M ago50:34

50:34

They may think of the local emergency shelter or an encampment that has popped up in their neighborhood. But rarely do they think about a student in the local school system, a young person kicked out from their home, two or more families sharing a 2-bedroom apartment or living in motel rooms. Families are among the fastest-rising populations experi…

1
Profile: Jeremy Finley 50:43

2M ago50:43

50:43

For over 21 years, his work has uncovered corruption and crimes and helped victims know they are not alone. He has received well-deserved recognition for his work, including three prestigious Investigative Reporters and Editors awards, 25 Midsouth Emmys, and four regional Edward R. Murrow Awards. He is also a novelist who writes thrillers in his sp…

1
Ask the Mayor and Metro Law Director 50:41

2M ago50:41

50:41

Call 615-760-2000 to share what’s on your mind or to ask a question. This is your opportunity to get your questions answered. We never know what’s going to come up on our Ask The Mayor show, but it’s always interesting. Join us! This episode was produced by Mary Mancini. Guests: Freddie O'Connell | Mayor, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Da…

1
John Smith is Finding Harmony in Chaos, ep. 271 55:10

2M ago55:10

55:10

Originally from Devon, the English singer-songwriter John Smith got his start playing bars and clubs in Liverpool, both with his own songs and as a side player for artists like Lianne La Havas, Lisa Hannigan and David Gray. Growing up with folk music and guitar music influences from Eric Clapton to Maria Callas to Nick Drake, John’s sensitivity as …

1
A Second Avenue update, years after the 2020 bombing 50:44

2M ago50:44

50:44

The Christmas Day bombing caused extensive damage to the historic buildings, homes and businesses that dot Second Avenue. Redevelopment of the area is ongoing, with some sections rebuilt and open to pedestrians and cars, while others remain untouched. Today, we’ll learn about the historic cultural and economic importance of Second Avenue, provide u…

1
Nashville's Historical Markers 50:45

2M ago50:45

50:45

The first marker, "Heaton's Station," was placed in 1968 at a bend in the Cumberland River in North Nashville and commemorates one of the city’s first structures, a fortified house built for protection in 1780. Now there are almost 300 markers across the city, with at least one in every council district. Today, we’ll talk about the importance of th…

1
Profile: Nancy French 50:41

2M ago50:41

50:41

She has written under her own name and collaborated on multiple books for celebrities - five of which made the New York Times best seller list. Now in her memoir Ghosted, she has emerged from behind the scenes to tell the story of losing her political allies, feeling spiritually adrift and politically confused, and becoming unemployable after she w…

1
Citywide reporter roundup: Entertainment edition 50:37

2M ago50:37

50:37

Today, we’re speaking with Caché McClay, The Tennessean’s dedicated Beyoncé reporter, and Bryan West, The Tennessean’s dedicated Taylor Swift reporter, about what it’s like to cover two global superstars from here in Nashville. Julia Masters from the Nashville Business Journal will be in to break down her recent entertainment coverage, including: a…

1
Peggy Seeger spills Folk Feminist Tea with Dawn Landes, ep. 270 1:10:30

2M ago1:10:30

1:10:30

Editor's note: For this episode, we invited our friend Dawn Landes to interview Peggy Seeger. Dawn was the perfect choice to interview the feminist folk icon. She recently joined us on a special episode with Aoife O'Donovan to discuss their feminist-themed new albums. We're thrilled to welcome Dawn back as guest host! I can’t believe it took me 40 …

1
This is Nicheville 50:39

2M ago50:39

50:39

One of the main ways we can interact with others is through our hobbies and niche interests. And they’ve got another benefit, too: When we learn more about other people’s hobbies and niche interests, we better appreciate the world around us and we can embrace and celebrate our differences. Today, we delve into three vastly different niche activitie…

1
Worker safety: A cloud over the construction boom 50:58

2M ago50:58

50:58

We're seemingly full of towering yellow cranes and active construction sites busy with workers using hefty machinery and hoisting heavy materials – often several hundred feet in the air. Tragically, Tennessee is one of the most dangerous states when it comes to construction worker on-the-job injury and deaths. In recent years, the city of Nashville…

1
Profile: María Magdalena Campos-Pons 50:40

2M ago50:40

50:40

Campos-Pons is the Cornelius Vanderbilt chair of fine arts and identifies just as much as a teacher as an artist. She grew up in a small village in the Cuban state of Matanzas, and the community, topography, and vibrant Cuban artistic community she experienced in her youth continues to inform her work. In 2023, Campos-Pons was named a MacArthur Fel…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Nashville Public Radio Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide