Best Nashville Public Radio Podcasts (2024)

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

6h 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

20h 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

4h 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

7h 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

17h 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

5d 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

5d 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

6d 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

7d 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

8d 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

12d 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

12d 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

13d 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

14d 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

16d 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

24d 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

19d 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

25d 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

26d 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

27d 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

1M 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

26d 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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…

1
‘Dynamite Nashville’ pieces together what happened in the Nashville bombings 50:42

1M ago50:42

50:42

In 1946, a violent uprising in Columbia, Tenn., led to national attention and a court case that historians say was the first time the legal system was used by Black defendants in the Civil Rights Movement. Then, in the late '50s and early '60s, three bombings in Nashville kicked off a nationwide campaign of violence in opposition to the movement. T…

1
Ana Egge on Dream-Writing, the Truth, and Sinead O'Connor, ep. 269 1:06:06

1M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

Folk music singer Ana Egge's 13th album Sharing in the Spirit came out of the musician one song at a time. She didn't even think about moving onto a new song before the writing and production of each song was complete. Working with her friend and collaborator Lorenzo Wolff, the songwriting process and music production plan was to just work on a han…

1
'Lo Fi' by Liz Riggs takes readers to the time before new Nashville 50:44

1M ago50:44

50:44

Dubbed the "High Fidelity" for millennials, the book paints a picture of Nashville before it became "It City" — before the bachelorettes moved in, before Lower Broad was owned by country stars and before most major bands added Music City as a tour stop. "Lo Fi" takes us back to a time when Nashville felt like it was by residents and for residents. …

1
Paddle, paddle, paddle! Making a splash in Tennessee's scenic waterways 50:45

1M ago50:45

50:45

One of the gifts of living here in Middle TN is that our state is full of some of the nation’s most beautiful ponds, rivers, and lakes. There are so many ways to enjoy the water from swimming, to paddling a kayak, canoe or paddle board, to fishing. If you’re not familiar with how to jump in, how can you get started? And what do you need to know to …

1
Profile: Dr. Steven Townsend 50:43

1M ago50:43

50:43

Dr. Townsend’s lab ‘cares about why people get sick’ and applies organic chemistry to help people everywhere get and stay healthy. He is pioneering the chemical make-up of human breast milk. He discovered a new class of sugars in human milk that prevent babies from getting viral and bacterial infections, and the wide-reaching applications for his l…

1
Soundcheck Stories and Life Lessons: Chris Smither and Peter Mulvey, ep. 268 1:01:23

1M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

Chris Smither has been Peter Mulvey's mentor since back in 1993, when the young Mulvey opened for the already seasoned Smither. The blues and folk legend liked what he heard and enjoyed the similarities in creativity and quirks and he took that young man on the road with him. Their musical partnership has crossed paths and outlasted the digital age…

1
Music Citizens: A new podcast from WNXP 50:42

2M ago50:42

50:42

Music Citizens is about the people who make music work. Each episode will explore what it takes to do the jobs that keep the music business moving and introduce you to the characters who are often well-known within their worlds but whose vital work goes largely uncelebrated. Today, we’re speaking with Jason Moon Wilkins, program director for WNXP a…

1
Writing about the death penalty 50:47

2M ago50:47

50:47

Meanwhile, time marches on — as do cases, appeals and new bills. Today, we're welcoming journalists and authors Liliana Segura, Steven Hale and Joe Ingle to talk about their latest work writing about this punishment. Today's guests: Liliana Segura | Investigative journalist covering the U.S. criminal justice system, The Intercept Steven Hale | Auth…

1
Profile: Tonya Abari 50:36

2M ago50:36

50:36

When Tonya started looking for books for her children to read, she noticed that they all featured white kids. At the same time she wanted to get back into journalism and even considered writing classroom curriculum. Writing for the classroom didn't work out, but writing children's books that celebrate Juneteenth and a diverse range of Black hairsty…

1
Citywide reporter roundup: religion edition 50:42

2M ago50:42

50:42

In 2024, many different faith communities are flourishing in Middle Tennessee and local religion reporters, whose work often reaches national audiences, have a lot to cover. Today we are joined by Liam Adams, Religion Reporter for The Tennessean, Holly Meyer, the Global Religion News Editor for the Associated Press, and WPLN’s own Rachel lacovone, …

1
Steve Poltz Wants to Listen to The Grateful Dead, Watch Laugh-In and Write a Song Together, ep. 267 1:18:43

2M ago1:18:43

1:18:43

If you're looking for recommendations for desserts, might I suggest asking folk music and comedy savant Steve Poltz? This man loves gluten and carb-heavy deserts. He also loves collaborations, camaraderie, creativity and using humor in music. It all began for Poltz, or Poltzy as his friends call him, in his birthplace of Halifax Nova Scotia, making…

1
They say diplomacy starts at home- so do diplomats! 50:43

2M ago50:43

50:43

US diplomats live and work overseas, helping US citizens abroad as well as building relationships with host countries. They get a new assignment to change countries — and often the languages they’re working in — about every two years. What is their life and work really like? And who are the people working here in the US to support US foreign policy…

1
In My Place, Episode 5: Upstream homelessness prevention 50:40

2M ago50:40

50:40

In My Place educates listeners on what cities like Nashville can do to prevent and end homelessness — while caring for our neighbors who are still unhoused. We talk to national and local guests about everything from best practices to worst failures and hear from people who intimately know the complexities of having nowhere to go. This show highligh…

1
Basic Folk Presents: Only Vans 29:52

2M ago29:52

29:52

Editor’s note: Basic Folk is pleased to introduce our listeners to one of our favorite podcasts by sharing an episode in our feed! I am awestruck with the charm and charisma of Texas Country Musician Bri Bagwell - most impressively demonstrated on her podcast Only Vans, where she talks to her friends in her van (actually she recently upgraded to an…

1
Re-air: A soldier, a sailor and a marine all walk into the studio… 50:42

2M ago50:42

50:42

Military service is a point of pride for many here in Tennessee and across the country. From wanting to serve something bigger than oneself, to seeking job experience or world travel, to honoring a family tradition of service — everyone who joins the military must find their own reason for signing up. Today, we’re talking with local recruiters from…

1
Re-Air: Tyler Merritt 50:39

2M ago50:39

50:39

Today, he talks with host Khalil Ekulona about the upcoming elections, diversity in Nashville, and how he talks about difficult, political topics. This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton.By WPLN News - Nashville Public Radio

1
Archiving the Heart: Greg Brown on Music, Family, and Throwing Out Old Notebooks, ep. 266 44:27

2M ago44:27

44:27

Iowa folk music icon Greg Brown is living that retired life. After playing his farewell retirement concert in 2023, he's returned with a new book: Ring Around The Moon: A Songbook, which highlights a song selection personally picked by the songwriter himself, as well as family photos, personal anecdotes and self-penned drawings. The book features a…

1
Ask the mayors 50:50

2M ago50:50

50:50

Call 615-760-2000 to share what’s on your mind or to ask either mayor a question. This is your opportunity to get your questions answered. From transportation to transportainment, 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 Katherine Ceicys and Mary Mancini. Gue…

1
Profile: Big Fella 50:38

2M ago50:38

50:38

Big Fella, aka Willie Sims, Jr., is a musician, entertainer, TV producer, community activist and advocate, ordained minister, board member, chef, teacher, life coach and is known by many as the Unofficial Mayor of Music City. You may have seen his self-produced cooking show, Cookin' Wit' Big Fella. Perhaps, you know him from the Juneteenth firework…

1
WPLN News & NPR's Embedded present: "Supermajority" 3:02

2M ago3:02

3:02

Supermajority is a new podcast from NPR’s Embedded, in partnership with WPLN News, exploring what happens when one political party has near-complete control. In this four-episode series, hosted by Meribah Knight, we follow the story of three conservative women challenging their own party. As Americans focus on national politics this election year, …

1
Kids in action 50:40

2M ago50:40

50:40

So what do teenagers in Nashville want their home city and region to be like now and in the future? What’s working and what isn’t? Today, we’ll speak to kids in two different youth-oriented programs who share the same goal — to have a future in a city that is built to work for all. Guests: Chef Sterling Wright | Chef, community advocate, and Napier…

1
The Reckoning of Montreal Banjo-Witch Kaïa Kater, ep. 265 1:23:59

2M ago1:23:59

1:23:59

After banjo player Kaïa Kater attended Americana Fest in 2016, the music industry started telling her she was a part of the genre, which encompasses all kinds of roots music, acoustic music, folk music, singer-songwriter and alternative country music. She was singing about heavy themes like historical trauma, her cultural heritage (her father is fr…

1
Kids in service 51:13

2M ago51:13

51:13

Today, we’ll hear from young people about how they are volunteering in their communities. We'll kick off with Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee and a young student to get the scoop on the Tennessee Kids Serve Summer Challenge, which invites elementary kids to devote a portion of their summer break to serving others. Next, we'll speak with young people…

1
What it's like to be a kid right now 50:41

2M ago50:41

50:41

We want to know: What is it really like to be a kid right now? Rising 6th, 8th and 11th graders are here to tell us all about school, friendships, parents, social media and what they think about where they are in life right now. We are ready — and excited — to listen to these young voices from schools across Middle Tennessee. Join us for an especia…

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