This Is Nashville

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 brought mass layoffs — and even shutterings — for legacy publications that are both nonprofit and for profit. Multiple NPR member stations have seen layoffs — like Colorado Public Radio, WAMU (DC’s local), WBEZ (Chicago), and WBUR (Boston). It's not just radio. The Los Angeles Times also laid off entire departments, and they faced sharp critique for eliminating some of their post-2020 diversity-focused programming. Pitchfork is restructuring to a point that no one is even sure if they really still exist. With guest host Emily Siner, we’ll ask what conditions reporters are facing right now and unpack what it means to be audience-funded. This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton. Guests: Emily Siner (host), Nashvillager newsletter contributor and former WPLN News Director Rosetta Miller Perry, Publisher, Tennessee Tribune Eli Motycka, Reporter at the Nashville Scene Jesse Dukes, Freelancer and former producer on WBEZ's Curious City Mack Linebaugh, Vice President of Audience Engagement, Nashville Public Radio Alicia Montgomery, Vice President of Audio, Slate Further Reading and Listening If print is more your speed, read Eli Motycka's July 2023 Nashville Scene cover story Trying to sort out what's happening at bigger NPR stations like WBEZ, WAMU, or WBUR beyond station leadership's official statements? Good luck. Check out Jesse Dukes Substack or the WAMU Union Twitter. If the Uri Berliner debacle was news to you, here is his piece in The Free Press, and a rebuttal from Slate's Alicia Montgomery. Want more This Is Nashville? Consider giving to WPLN for this year's Public Media Giving Day.

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 homelessness to housing. Today's guests: • Adam Ruege, Director of Strategy and Evaluation, Community Solutions • Sally Lott, Systems Improvement Advisory, Community Solutions • April Calvin, Director, Office of Homeless Services • Rachel Hester, Executive Director, Room In The Inn • Traci Pekovitch, Program manager, Consumer & Employee Safety Mandatory Outpatient Treatment Coordinator, Mental Health Co-operative • Vicky Batcher, expert through lived experience, Neighborhood Health board member

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, ballet, and Black cultural vernacular to the stage that has forever changed American modern dance. For a closer look, we'll also speak with past and present performers from this groundbreaking group. Guests: Karynn Hough, manager, Millennium Dance Center and Fresh Talent Group Maggie Pelton, dancer and adjunct professor at Belmont University Asia Pyron, Director of PYDANCE Constance Stamatiou, dancer, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Kathryn Wilkening, supervisor, Metro Parks Dance Division Further Listening: This is Nashville | Salsa, two-step, bachata… we’re talking partner dancing! WPLN News | These Nashville middle schoolers create, dance and perform to celebrate Black history, connecting in a deeper way How to keep up with local dance performances: Nashville Dance Community list, compiled by Amanda Roche

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 incident in modern history and the events that followed. This Is Nashville producer Katherine Ceicys spoke with Bowman and Smith about the series and what listeners can expect. This Is Nashville will be live again tomorrow, Thursday, April 18, and will return again on Tuesday, April 30. Guests: Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell Tom Bowman, Co-host, Taking Cover; NPR National Desk, Pentagon Reporter Graham Smith, Co-host, Taking Cover; NPR Senior Producer, Investigations Katherine Ceicys, Multimedia Producer, *This is Nashville* Learn More: Taking Cover This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Mary Mancini.

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 emerging journalist right now. Join us! Guests: Nick Held, Montgomery Bell Academy 8th grader, editor of upcoming Top of the Hill issue Grace Chen, James Lawson High School senior, staff writer, The Lightening Letter Robert Lakatosh, TN Tech sophomore, NPR Student Podcast Challenge finalist Shamani Salahuddin, MTSU senior, Student Assistant Lifestyles editor at MTSU Sidelines Maya Taylor, TSU senior, Editor-in-Chief, The Meter Learn More: The Lightening Letter MTSU Sidelines The Fluid Dynamics of Coffee The Meter This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Mary Mancini.

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, the golden days of local tv news, and what’s next for this venerable journalist. Guests: Banner and Company

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 organization with chapters across the world, meet to share resources, tips, and advice for this crucial point of nurturing a new life. Guests: Adrienne Francis, owner of Rebecka’s Lingerie Stephanie Kuhr, owner and designer at Dottie’s Delights Juanita Benz, group leader of La Leche League of Nashville Kendra Southerland, La Leche League participant Jill Scott, La Leche League participant

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 flying the flag outside their home or office or by saying the pledge at ballgames. We asked our listeners what you thought about the pledge of allegiance. We'll discuss these comments and more as we understand Nashvillians' relationship to the American flag. This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton. Guests: David Dark, professor of religion at Belmont University Gwen Moore, artist and writer Councilmember Jordan Huffman, Metro Councilmember for District 14 Elizabeth Burton, This Is Nashville multimedia producer Further Reading and Listening If you want to hear from more Metro Nashville councilmembers, check out our profile with Sandra Sepulveda. Listen to Beyoncé's latest album COWBOY CARTER and break down its Black country roots with Alice Randall, Quia Thompson, Holly G and Jewly Hight. If you want to hear about patriotism and the armed forces, listen to yesterday's This Is Nashville episode on military recruitment. If you enjoyed this episode, consider giving to WPLN for this year’s spring fund drive.

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 the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps to learn more about each branch and the first steps anyone here in Middle Tennessee can take towards serving. Join us to learn how to join up! Guests: U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Paul Gardner U.S. Navy Commander Lacey Popson U.S Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Brandon McCoppin Learn More: U.S. Air Force recruitment website | www.airforce.com/how-to-join U.S. Army recruitment website | www.goarmy.com/how-to-join/steps.html U.S. Coast Guard recruitment website | www.uscg.mil/Join/ U.S. Marine Corps recruitment website | www.marines.com/become-a-marine/process-to-join.html U.S. Navy recruitment website | www.navy.com/joining U.S. Space Force recruitment website | www.spaceforce.com/how-to-join/enlisted-guardians This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

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 Phoenix Lodge. With host Khalil Ekulona at the helm, we'll demystify freemasonry and fraternity. This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton. Special thanks to the West Nashville Phoenix Lodge. Guests: Warren Steury, freemason and media producer Ryan Turbeville, Master Mason and realtor Further Reading and Listening Did you like learning about brotherhood? Listen to our past episode on men's groups in Middle Tennessee. Does all this talk of commitment put you in the mood for love? Listen to Monday's episode on long-term relationships. Still thinking about cults? Listen to this segment of Curious Nashville on one of Middle Tennessee's most infamous cults. If you enjoyed this episode, consider giving to WPLN for this year's spring fund drive.

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 Womack Teresa Birdsong and Cameron Adkins Learn More: Nashville Catio This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Magnolia McKay.

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. Guests: Alice Randall, singer-songwriter and author of My Black Country Quia Thompson, filmmaker and granddaughter of Linda Martell Holly G, founder of The Black Opry

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 about how high schoolers and families can successfully navigate toward College Decision Day — and their future ahead. Join us! Guests: Shae Camardo, MLK High School senior Eli Sheahen, Valor College Prep senior Janet Weller, Harpeth Hall Director of College Counseling Dr. Shairi Turner, Chief Health Officer, Crisis Text Line RJ Ware, MTSU sophomore, past Freshman Council president, VP elect for Student Government Association Further listening: This is Nashville | What helps students finish college This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

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: James Lewicki, program manager of therapy and enrollment, Mental Health Cooperative Yadira Gonzalez, clinical coordinator and therapist, Sexual Assault Center Mandii Brown, counselor and life coach, The Relatable Counselor Candice Bruder, founder and CEO, Pure Sweat Studios Juliana Ericson, positive mindset coach specializing in conscious breath work, The Joyful Life Project This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.

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." Today, he'll talk 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.

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 produced by Elizabeth Burton, Mary Mancini, and Khalil Ekulona. Guests: Freddie O'Connell, the mayor Rebecca Price, Nashville Public Library Program Specialist

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 are back to tell us about what’s changed, and what hasn’t. We'll also talk to former NPR Morning Edition host David Greene and Old Crow Medicine Show musician Ketch Secor about Louder Than Guns, their upcoming documentary and intimate dive into conversations around the gun crisis; and Nicole Floyd Smith of Voices for a Safer Tennessee about the Linking Arms for Change event happening today. Today's guests: • David Greene, former host of NPR’s Morning Edition • Ketch Secor, musician, Old Crow Medicine Show • Sophie Kavalali, member of Mayor’s youth council • Israel Perez, student, Pearl Cohn High School • Nicole Floyd Smith, co-founder and vice chair, Voices for a Safer Tennessee Learn more: • This is Nashville | Community responds to the Covenant School shooting • WPLN News | Covenant School finds ‘a beacon of hope’ amid painful anniversary This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay.

In this series, thanks in part to support from Pinnacle Financial Partners, 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. Today's episode focuses on the Housing First philosophy. What is it? Who does it work for — and not work for? Today's guests: • Jeff Olivet, executive director, United States Interagency Council on Homelessness • Deirdre Nicole Childress, director of communications, trauma services and case management, Gideon’s Army • India Pungarcher, advocacy and outreach specialist, Open Table Nashville • David Langgle-Martin, Chief Housing Officer, Park Center • Paula Carlson, expert through lived experience, current resident In Park Center's supportive housing. She says, "When you’re homeless, you lose everything and then you start from scratch one. And you have to decide what to do first. Do I look for a house? Do I need a vehicle — and then come up with the money to do it?" Further in: • Overview Episode of In My Place • Episode 1: Homelessness Facts and Faces • United States Interagency Council on Homelessness

After her child survived the assault last March, Melissa Alexander was thrust into a new role as a firearm safety advocate. In this episode, we hear an intimate account of the day of the shooting from one of the only parents who was able to see their child before reunification. And we learn how this long-time gun owner is now finding herself a "Covenant Mom" and navigating the ins and outs of our legislature during a time of personal tragedy and healing. This episode was produced by Tasha A.F. Lemley.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) oversees the distribution of SNAP benefits, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for low-income folks in Tennessee. Last year, DHS implemented a new application processing system for the first time since 1992— the same year of the L.A. riots, Barney and Friends' debut, and President George H.W. Bush projectile vomiting in the lap of the Japanese Prime Minister. In the process of transitioning to the new system, there were quite a few technological snafus. Existing SNAP benefits recipients applications weren't properly carried over, leading to DHS falling behind. The federal government mandates that DHS must either certify or reject an application in 30 days, and at the peak, there over 50,000 Tennesseeans whose applications were not processed in that window. Some people waited as long as four months for a decision. While DHS is on track to be caught up sooner rather than later, people have had to scramble in the meantime to feed themselves and their families. Further, those in the lowest income brackets are already struggling with the benefits backlog, but then there is the added stress of inflation—making groceries unaffordable for even people in the middle class. We’ll talk about food costs, accessibility, and affordability by looking at SNAP, the bill to end grocery taxes in TN, and food waste programs. This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton. Special thanks to Ken Jobe. Guests: Signe Anderson, Senior Director of Nutrition Advocacy at Tennessee Justice Center Jules, social work graduate student Rae Ruohonen, SNAP recipient Ladevia Hartsfield and Althea Hartsfield, SNAP recipients Pastor Greg Bullard, pastor at Covenant of the Cross