Best WPLN News Nashville Public Radio Podcasts (2024)

1
Re-Air: Tyler Merritt 50:39

4h 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
Supermajority: The Covenant Moms 48:51

1d ago48:51

48:51

In 2023, a mass shooter attacked The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee, and three mothers were compelled to act. Their mission: help pass some kind of gun control in one of the reddest states in the country, a state where the Republican Party has a supermajority in the legislature. But these women aren't your typic…

1
Ask the mayors 50:50

2d 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

3d 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

5d 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
Introducing Supermajority from NPR and WPLN 3:02

3d ago3:02

3:02

Supermajority is a new 4-part series from NPR's Embedded, in partnership with Nashville Public Radio. As Americans focus on national politics this election year, we zoom in on one state and its political majority. Host Meribah Knight has been following three conservative moms in Tennessee over the course of a year as they learn to navigate their Re…

1
Kids in action 50:40

7d 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
Kids in service 51:13

8d 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

9d 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…

1
Profile: Ann Powers 50:42

10d ago50:42

50:42

For over 40 years, Ann Powers has been writing about music and pop culture for outlets such as The Village Voice, The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times. She’s probably interviewed all of the relevant music artists of the past four decades — from Prince to Madonna — and she’s authored many books. They include: "Weird Like Us: My Bohemian Amer…

1
How Metro Arts conflict is impacting artists 51:06

14d ago51:06

51:06

As much as we all love drama, we’d prefer it stayed on stage. At the June 4 council meeting, Metro Council approved the $200,000 settlement that would ensure former Director Daniel Singh’s resignation from the Metro Arts Commission. This is just the latest in a multiyear long conflict regarding equity — within the Metro Arts staff, between Metro Ar…

1
Tennessee Pageant and Scholarship Competitions 50:44

15d ago50:44

50:44

From the outside, the world of beauty pageants and scholarship competitions can be fun to watch- but sometimes difficult to fully understand. What are the competitions really like? What does it take to win? And what exactly does a titleholder do for the year after she wins? Miss Tennessee USA 2024, Miss Black Tennessee USA 2024, Miss Tennessee 2023…

1
Re-Air: Long-lasting Love 50:44

18d ago50:44

50:44

Today we’re talking with two couples who have been together for several decades … and who are happy to say that they continue to love and like each other each day. We’ll also hear about a bonded couple who show their love through sharing treats, making biscuits, and grooming each other … guess what species they are!? A shorter version of this episo…

1
Profile: State Senator Heidi Campbell 50:35

19d ago50:35

50:35

Her political career began in St. Paul, Minnesota. When she came back to her hometown of Nashville, she became the Mayor of Oak Hill, then State Senator. Last year she ran for Mayor of Nashville, she even ran for Congress in 2022. But did you know that path to holding public office was not the path she first envisioned for herself? We’ll talk with …

1
Ask not one, but two, mayors! 50:38

23d ago50:38

50:38

Dial 615-760-2000 to share what’s on your mind or to ask either mayor a question. We never fully know what’s going to come up on our Ask The Mayor show, but it’s always a good time. Join us! This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Mary Mancini. Guests: Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell Franklin Mayor Ken Moore Listen to previous Ask the M…

1
What's going on at Metro Arts? 50:51

24d ago50:51

50:51

For people who haven’t been following the story, it’s hard to know where to start if you want to learn more. For people who have been following, it can get complicated, and it’s easy to forget what's really happened. Today, we’re diving into it all headfirst and reviewing the most impactful, dysfunctional (and wildest) moments that led us to where …

1
In My Place, Episode 4: The interconnectedness of health care, housing and homelessness 50:33

25d ago50:33

50:33

Housing is health care — which becomes especially apparent when we get to know our unhoused population. Here, we talk about what happens to people’s health and health care once they have lost their permanent housing. In My Place educates listeners on what cities like Nashville can do to prevent and end homelessness — while caring for our neighbors …

1
Nashville's farmers market communities 50:37

1M ago50:37

50:37

Farmers markets are a way for food growers and other vendors to serve the community directly, outside of big box grocery stores. So who are these farmers and other vendors? Who are the community members that come out to support them? And how do farmers markets intersect with food justice? GUESTS Michael Bradford, Farmer and co-owner of Una Acre Far…

1
Vietnam veterans of Middle Tennessee 50:42

1M ago50:42

50:42

Veterans and their advocates have worked hard over the past several decades to make sure that veterans receive the care and support they need. Today, we’re speaking with local Vietnam veterans about their experiences and those working to learn and share veteran’s stories. Plus, we'll learn how anyone can get involved to make a difference for local …

1
Citywide reporter roundup 50:43

1M ago50:43

50:43

Today, Jeremy Finley, chief investigative reporter for News Channel 4; Adam Sichko, senior reporter for Nashville Business Journal; and Mike Organ, college sports reporter for The Tennessean, will break down their latest stories and what they’re keeping their eyes on coming up. Join us for our citywide reporter roundup! Today’s episode was produced…

1
Profile: Pastor Greg Bullard 50:43

1M ago50:43

50:43

He leads the church Covenant of the Cross in Madison, and he is Nashville's longest serving openly gay pastor. Pastor Greg works to fill in the gaps left by antagonistic laws, homophobic and transphobic organizations, and to provide a place for LGBT worshippers to be spiritually filled while also getting the resources they need. This episode was pr…

1
The power of preventative health 50:45

1M ago50:45

50:45

Routine health habits might be easy to ignore, but they make a huge difference in our wellbeing. Today, local physicians and a mental health care provider are here to share what we all need to know — and can do — to take good care of our bodies and minds. This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. Guests: Dr. Carmen Tuchman, primary care physic…

1
How restorative practices are changing some Nashville classrooms 50:44

1M ago50:44

50:44

The conventional methods of management and discipline rely heavily on removing struggling students from the classroom — putting them even further behind. And this discipline disproportionately affects students of color. But educators and researchers have been developing ways to avoid the school-to-prison pipeline — a lot of these fall under the umb…

1
What's going on with TVA? 50:43

1M ago50:43

50:43

Residents, elected officials, and climate activists have concerns about what the use of fossil fuels will mean for the state, especially as scientists say we should be phasing out our fossil fuel consumption. Today, we'll hear from reporters about their perspective on the TVA Board of Directors, which oversees the utility, and what the fossil fuel …

1
Profile: Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez 50:26

1M ago50:26

50:26

Prisca Dorcas Mojica RodrDespite finding acclaim and recognition in cities like LA and New York, and through her Instagram page @LatinaRebels, she struggles to find her place and feel seen in Nashville. She attributes part of that to being a disruptor- she was the one asking the tough questions and wearing upside down crosses while enrolled at Vand…

1
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
Where Tennessee's medieval enthusiasts find community 50:23

1M ago50:23

50:23

n this episode, we’ll talk to Ren Fest enthusiasts and other folks who celebrate the medieval era to learn what inspires them to take up this type of historical reenactment, whether it’s a lifestyle or just for a weekend. This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay. Guests: Paolo Garbanzo, jester, professional entertainer extraordinaire Kate Brown,…

1
Service dogs and their handlers 50:42

1M ago50:42

50:42

If you don’t have a disability, you may not have ever thought twice about how you would get into a building or whether you can really trust a gluten-free label. When you are disabled, it can seem like every decision you make has to be calculated in order to avoid flareups, episodes or more. Prescription medication, surgery, therapy, Eastern medicat…

1
Profile: Stacy Downey 50:42

2M ago50:42

50:42

In 2010, Stacy Downey founded The Little Pantry That Could in North Nashville, which provided free food and support to any one in need –no questions asked. In 2022, the loss of a lease and sky-high real estate prices forced The Little Pantry to permanently close. Stacy, who has also worked at One Generation Away, joins us today to share her story a…

1
Nashville’s exvangelical movement 50:42

2M ago50:42

50:42

While mainline denominations are seeing a overall decline in attendance, exvangelicals, a term that denotes former evangelical status, are part of a growing online community who are outspoken about why they’ve left the church. In Nashville, evangelical culture is everywhere — think Bible verses on your favorite donut store’s boxes, prayer at social…

1
The state of local and public media 50:26

2M ago50:26

50:26

Whether we’re battling fake news, censorship, or just sloppy reporting, it can be extremely difficult for the average person to be engaged with what’s going on — especially in their city or region. Not to mention challenges with the funding model for some types of journalism. The news landscape can look bleak at times. The first half of 2024 has br…

1
In My Place, Episode 3: Housing Strategies 50:43

2M ago50:43

50:43

This series, thanks in part to support from Pinnacle Financial Partners, brings in national and local guests to discuss everything from best practices to worst failures — and we get to hear from people who intimately know the complexities of having nowhere to go. In today's episode, we focus on what it entails to assist a person transitioning from …

1
En Pointe: Nashville’s dance and choreography scene 50:31

2M ago50:31

50:31

Today we'll check in with those who are are innovating in Nashville’s dance scene and find out where Middle Tennesseans can go to see the work of local dancers and choreographers. Plus, visionary dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey carved out a space in the dance world for African American dancers to express themselves, and brought a blend of jazz…

1
Ask the Mayor, plus 'Taking Cover' 50:41

2M ago50:41

50:41

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell takes listeners calls today. Then, starting this Friday, April 19, Nashville Public Radio will be running the seven-part series Taking Cover at noon. Hosted by NPR's Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman and Graham Smith of the Investigations unit, Taking Cover investigates the worst Marine-on-Marine friendly fire inci…

1
Student reporter roundup 50:19

2M ago50:19

50:19

Middle schoolers, high schoolers and college students all over Middle Tennessee run student newspapers, TV stations and recording studios. These student journalists work hard to deliver news and inform their communities. Today, we’re talking with student writers, reporters and podcasters about their latest coverage — and what it’s like to be an eme…

1
Re-air: Demetria Kalodimos 50:42

2M ago50:42

50:42

With more than 40 years of journalism experience in Nashville, Emmy-award-winning Demetria Kalodimos is still one of the best-known names and faces in local news. After a long career in television, she’s moved on to documentary filmmaking, teaching and resurrecting the print-gone-web Nashville Banner. We sit down with her to talk about her career, …

1
The one about the bras 47:16

2M ago47:16

47:16

Nearly 20 years ago Oprah Winfrey had a segment on her show encouraging women to get fitted, saying "change your bra, change your life." We'll talk to our own local expert on what makes a good bra. And then we turn our attention to a group of women who support each other in their time of breastfeeding. The members of La Leche League, an organizatio…

1
Is liberty and justice really for all? 47:51

2M ago47:51

47:51

If you stand outside a local Old Navy on a hot summer day, you might see a grandmother carrying large bags, overflowing with discounted American-themed apparel for the whole family. It's hard to resist a good sale, especially when it comes in the form of patriotic polyester. Others might be a little more hesitant to proudly display patriotism via f…

1
A soldier, a sailor and a marine all walk into the studio... 47:34

2M ago47:34

47:34

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 t…

1
Nashville's freemasons 51:36

2M ago51:36

51:36

When you think about freemasons, your mind might wander to the founding fathers. Then, you might feel a shiver down your spine and wonder why you sense the eerie presence of Tom Cruise. It turns out, that all of that fear and cult association might be misplaced. Today, we go straight to the source: two freemasons from our very own West Nashville Ph…

1
Long-lasting love 52:27

2M ago52:27

52:27

Today we’re talking with two couples who have been together for several decades…and who are happy to say that they continue to love and like each other each day. We’ll also hear about a bonded couple who show their love through sharing treats, making biscuits, and grooming each other….guess what species they are! Join us! Guests: Beth and Tommy Wom…

1
This ain't Texas. This is Nashville. 50:58

3M ago50:58

50:58

The idea that Black people can make country music is new to some, but it’s not really a new concept. We’ll dive deep into the history of country music, and the Black artists who helped create and innovate in the genre. Join us here on KNTRY Radio. This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton and Jewly Hight. This episode was hosted by Jewly Hight.…

1
Navigating College Decision Day 50:52

3M ago50:52

50:52

Students are waiting for the mail and checking online portals to find out if they’ve been accepted or denied admission to their chosen schools. They then have to decide where to enroll and how to pay for college by May 1. Today, we’re talking with students, a parent of a high school senior, an admissions counselor and a mental health professional a…

1
Tennessee practitioners are helping clients heal from trauma 50:42

3M ago50:42

50:42

People suffering from trauma often find that traditional talk therapy isn’t effective at treating PTSD. But other modalities, specifically ones that involve the body, are proving to be helpful to dislodge the trauma. In this episode, guest host Emily Siner talks to practitioners about these body-based therapies, and their potential to heal. Guests:…

1
Profile: Tyler Merritt 50:39

3M ago50:39

50:39

Originally from Las Vegas, Merritt talks about the multicultural background that he comes from and his family’s roots in the South. After going viral in 2020 for a previously published video called “Before You Call the Police,” he gained national attention for his works on race, leading to the publication of his memoir, "I Take My Coffee Black." To…

1
Ask the Mayor and Votes For Women 50:49

3M ago50:49

50:49

Regardless, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell will be in Studio A to answer your questions live. Call 615-760-2000 for a chance to speak with the mayor about the issues facing our city. Later in the hour, we'll go on a tour of the Votes for Women Room with Nashville Public Library's Rebecca Price in honor of Women's History Month. This episode was …

1
Remembering Covenant, one year later 50:44

3M ago50:44

50:44

Last year, in the wake of the shooting, students showed up to the state capitol steps with signs in hand, carrying the message that they wanted their legislators to do something about the violence. We invited a panel of high school students to This Is Nashville to share what they and their classmates were going through. One year later, some of them…

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