Best Nashville Public Radio Podcasts (2024)

1
Your Turn to Talk: Nashville's Transit Referendum 50:44

6h ago50:44

50:44

The 2024 referendum, Choose How You Move: An All-Access Pass to Sidewalks, Signals, Service, and Safety in Nashville, is on the ballot for the November election. As part of WPLN's ongoing coverage of the transit plan and referendum, we've assembled a panel of guests with in-depth knowledge of the proposal to answer your questions and hear your comm…

1
Liv Greene on Finding her Tender Little Queer Heart, ep. 283 55:32

1h ago55:32

55:32

Oh how I've longed to talk to Liv Greene. Every once in a while you come across a young artist that seems older and wiser than her 26 years. Liv's been giving me that impression since I met her in 2019 when she was at Club Passim waiting tables and breaking hearts on the stage at just 21 years. Ok enough about being young. Liv's been writing, study…

1
Wildlife rescue in Middle Tennessee 50:42

2h ago50:42

50:42

Squirrels, possums, turtles, foxes, birds of prey and countless other wild creatures live right here with us in Middle Tennessee. Unfortunately, interactions with humans and human-made things can lead to injuries or death for these animals. Today we’re speaking with the dedicated leaders and volunteers of several local wildlife rehabilitation cente…

1
Re-air: Gettin’ batty! 50:39

4h ago50:39

50:39

On this episode, we gaze skyward — at dusk — and pay tribute to the best mosquito-eaters around. Bat-loving guests join us to debunk a ton of misconceptions and teach us where bats live, what makes up their diet, what their greatest threats are, and how we can actually share our homes with them. This episode was produced by Tasha A.F. Lemley. Speci…

1
Profile: Paul Collins 50:43

2h ago50:43

50:43

Have you discovered any of the hundreds of colorful painted animal signs with the word ‘vote’ on them here in Nashville? Or have you encountered the giant books around town which are part of the Unbannable Library installation? Middle Tennessee artist and Austin Peay State University professor Paul Collins is behind both of these projects. Today we…

1
Your Turn To Talk: Navigating our health care system 50:37

5h ago50:37

50:37

How do you establish care after moving to a new city? What do you do if you want a second opinion on a cancer diagnosis? Is there something you can say if you feel like your emergency room doctor isn’t listening to you? Dr. Divya Shroff hears these questions all the time. As the former chief medical officer of TriStar Centennial Medical Center in N…

1
Exploring Ancestral Roots with Blind Pilot, ep. 282 56:02

18m ago56:02

56:02

The Oregon-bred indie folk music outfit Blind Pilot goes on a deep spiritual journal on their new album In the Shadow of the Holy Mountain (produced by Josh Kaufman). The music inspiration for frontman Israel Nebeker lay in his songwriting process. After struggling with writing for years (this is the first Blind Pilot album in 8 years), he set asid…

1
Tennessee's Political Scandals: 50 Years and Counting 50:39

5d ago50:39

50:39

Today, we hear from WPLN's Power and Equity Reporter, Marianna Bacallao. She'll update us on the recent wiretapping scandal involving the office of Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk. Next, we hear from authors Joel Ebert and Erik Schelzig, who recount years of abuses of political power at the state legislature in their book, Welcome to Capitol…

1
Cryptids of Tennessee 50:44

16h ago50:44

50:44

Cryptids — like Sasquatch and the Jersey Devil — capture the imagination and have been sighted across the globe. Not surprisingly then, Middle Tennessee has its own reported cryptid activity. Here, people have seen a giant bird with a 6-foot-long wingspan, a dogman and, of course, the Tennessee Wild Man, our version of Bigfoot. Today, we delve into…

1
Profile: Lee Camp 50:45

1d ago50:45

50:45

The majority of his career has been positioned at the intersection of conservative Christian communities and higher education. Today, he’s transitioning away from his main career as a tenured professor and finds himself somewhat displaced, contemplating how his long-standing faith interacts with politics and the next phase of his work. To that end,…

1
Your Turn to Talk: New Americans in New Nashville 50:42

6d ago50:42

50:42

And the relationship between new Americans and Nashville is reciprocal. Today, we look at the many ways immigrants and refugees add to the fabric of our community — and how the community empowers them with the tools they need to succeed. Plus, we're taking your calls. Join us! This episode was produced by Mary Mancini. Guests Cathy Carrillo | Direc…

1
Amy Helm: Letters to Women and the Legacy of The Barn, ep. 281 1:14:03

6d ago1:14:03

1:14:03

Amy Helm has had one of the most fascinating lives that any person can have. As you might have guessed from her famous last name, she comes from roots music royalty. Amy Helm is the daughter of Levon Helm, the beloved late drummer for the incredible groundbreaking Canadian American group The Band. She also continues to run and uphold the musical le…

1
First Generation American Cuisine 50:48

7d ago50:48

50:48

These local chefs, influenced by the culinary creations of their ancestors, blend the ingredients and techniques of their homelands with those found in home of Nashville. Their new creations offer diners a peek inside their culture and allow them to stretch their imaginations and creativity. Join us as we speak with local chefs who share their uniq…

1
Celebrating international dance here in Middle Tennessee 50:41

8d ago50:41

50:41

Observing or performing a cultural dance can be a joyful, fun, challenging and deeply meaningful experience. Today, we’re speaking with local students and performers of dances from Mexico, India and West Africa. We’ll talk about what it takes to be part of dance traditions — and find out how to catch upcoming performances or join a class to learn. …

1
Profile: Councilmember At Large Zulfat Suara 50:42

9d ago50:42

50:42

As a Muslim Nigerian, she often finds herself at the intersection of race and religion, both locally and globally. Now in her second term, she has dedicated herself to making Nashville a city for everyone. Today, we’ll explore how these identities shape her role in Nashville, influence her work on the council, and highlight her core values and prio…

1
The future of Historic Jefferson Stree 50:35

13d ago50:35

50:35

While other areas of the city may be nearly blank slates for redevelopment, North Nashville boasts a vibrant history, thriving business district and a community deeply invested in preserving its culture and landmarks. In this episode, we hear from local business owners and ambassadors from two organizations dedicated to thoughtfully guiding North N…

1
From Reality Bites to Nursery Rhymes: Lisa Loeb's Unconventional Journey, ep. 280 1:06:58

13d ago1:06:58

1:06:58

Looking back at her wildly successful and always adventurous career up to this point, it feels inevitable that Lisa Loeb was always going to be a songwriter and have a music career. But young Lisa probably could have done any creative job well. She grew up surrounded by music, yes, but she also had a passion for theater, and got her degree in compa…

1
Green witches and butterflies 50:43

14d ago50:43

50:43

In Tennessee, two very different groups are leading the way. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has launched Project Milkweed, a free milkweed seed distribution program designed to support the breeding and flourishing of the monarch butterfly. Simultaneously, the green witches use holistic means – herbs, plants, and the rhythms of th…

1
In My Place, Episode 8: The impact of homelessness on residents and business owners 50:42

15d ago50:42

50:42

In places where there is homelessness, we often see clashes between neighbors and businesses, service providers and the government. And, as neighbors and businesses lose patience, they can put pressure on politicians to find quick solutions, which can result in the abrupt removal of people and their encampment structures from public spaces. In toda…

1
Profile: Rev. Dr. Shane B. Scott 50:42

16d ago50:42

50:42

As the recently installed pastor of the historic First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill in Nashville, he’s on a mission to inspire a new generation while respecting, in his unique way, the foundation of past leaders. In this episode we learn about his childhood in rural Louisiana and northern California, the work he is most proud of, and his vision for…

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

20d 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

20d 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

27d 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

1M 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

28d 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

29d 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

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

2M 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

2M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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…

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