Shows / This Is Nashville
This Is Nashville
This Is Nashville is a live one-hour daily show driven by community, for community. This flagship program of WPLN News will become your one-stop-shop for news in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, as we continue to show up each day.
Episodes
- This Is Nashville
A conversation with Amy Grant
For 50 years, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Amy Grant has captivated audiences. And luckily for us, she calls Nashville home. On today’s show, we…
- This Is Nashville
Re-air: Paddle, paddle, paddle! Making a splash in Tennessee's scenic waterways
Summer is on the way! Today, we're talking how to get out to enjoy local ponds, rivers and lakes to cool down and have some fun! Swimming, kayaking, canoeing…
- This Is Nashville
End of school year student check in!
Students here in Middle Tennessee are gearing up for finals, special dances, and for some, graduation. Today we are checking in with local students to hear…
- This Is Nashville
In My Place, Episode 12: Paper Cuts
Welcome back to our second season of In My Place. This special series educates listeners on what communities like Nashville can do to prevent and end…
- This Is Nashville
Steve Swenson, President and CEO, Nashville Public Radio
After graduating from UC Santa Barbara, Steve Swenson set out to make a name for himself in the radio industry. Mission accomplished. His 45-year career has…
- This Is Nashville
Khalil's send off!
We're saying goodbye to Khalil today! After more than 550 episodes and thousands of guests, Khalil Ekulona is taking his last turn behind the This Is Nashville…
- This Is Nashville
Fearless aging discussion kicks off a new series about growing older in the 21st century
No matter what you think about aging, one thing is for sure: EVERYbody’s doing it! It’s also true that in the U.S., people are living longer, and overall…
- This Is Nashville
Music Citizens Episode 3: The Tuner
Elite piano tuning is grueling work. It’s taxing on the body, it strains relationships, and it never leads to fame or glory. Music Citizens, a podcast series…
- This Is Nashville
Be good to each other: Khalil Ekulona on life and his journey to broadcasting
Khalil Ekulona has been the voice — and a driving force — of This Is Nashville since he helped launch the show three years ago. He has brought his curiosity…
- This Is Nashville
Ask the Mayor, plus Recycle and Reinvest
Every month, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell joins us to discuss the latest happenings in and around the city — and take your calls. Do you have a concern…
- This Is Nashville
Hip hop producers & sampling
Hip hop as a genre is getting more attention from the music industry in Nashville. A good thing! But not all hip hop music is the same, nor are the ways in…
- This Is Nashville
Civic Sparks: helping ourselves by helping others
We love hearing about the moment in someone’s life when they decide it’s time to start helping others. We call it “a civic spark.” Today, we’re talking to two…
- This Is Nashville
Life as a forensic pathologist: Meet Adele Lewis
There are only about 800 forensic pathologists in the entire United States. That is much lower than the number of deaths requiring investigation. How do they…
- This Is Nashville
Spring is here! How well do you know Nashville's parks?
Metro Nashville oversees 178 parks and over 100 miles of greenway. But that only scratches the surface. From recreational arts to dance classes, nature…
- This Is Nashville
Nothing compares to ukes
They’re portable, have four strings, and George Harrison loved them so much he gave them out as presents. Today, we take a look at the popular, adorable…
- This Is Nashville
'Once it's gone, it's gone.' How some Tennessee farmers are protecting their land for generations to come.
Nearly 40% of Tennessee’s land is farmland. But Tennessee is rapidly losing its farmland, mostly to development. Once land is developed it is exceptionally…
- This Is Nashville
Larry Gatlin, Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter
Larry Gatlin of The Gatlin Brothers is a name country and gospel fans know well. He is a famed singer and songwriter with Grammy awards, hit songs, and a…
- This Is Nashville
Severe weather, plus what's new with municipal services
Waiting on the phone or in a long line for customer service is no fun. But what new alternatives exist? Today we hear the Davidson County Clerk’s Office new…
- This Is Nashville
A people’s history of WPLN
Today we talk about our station's history through your eyes - from that first day to where we are now, how long have you been listening and why? WPLN's first…
- This Is Nashville
Storytime! Checking in with local children's book and YA authors
Were you lucky enough to have someone read you bedtime stories when you were young? Did you still remember that one book you read in middle school that made…
- This Is Nashville
Stephen Mason, aka Soccer Moses
“Does it bring joy, and can it impact the community?” That’s the litmus test for Soccer Moses, aka the Handsomizer, aka Stephen Mason. Outside of Nashville, he…
- This Is Nashville
Near Death Experiences: What dying can teach us about living
Some people who have come close to death or who have clinically died and been resuscitated report having had a profound out-of-body experience called a Near…
- This Is Nashville
Pedestrian fatalities in Nashville: where we stand
Pedestrian deaths skyrocketed in Nashville during the pandemic. Although recent trends appear promising, the scar left behind still lingers. Advocates for…
- This Is Nashville
In My Place, Episode 11: Building Trust
Last month, we explored the first point of contact between people experiencing homelessness and outreach workers, service providers and the police. Today, we…
- This Is Nashville
Ella Brinen, foster care youth advocate
Even at a young age, we have the power to influence and shape the world around us. That’s been true for Ella Brinen, a 19-year-old who’s currently lobbying…
- This Is Nashville
Your Turn to Talk: Tariffs and Tennessee (plus, state leg update)
If you're reading the headlines, it may be hard to keep up with all the back and forth of the Trump administration’s tariff policy. Today we dissect what’s…
- This Is Nashville
Scarritt Bennett Center plus NECAT Documentary, It’s All Connected: The Art of Sustainability
First up, we take a quick trip around Scarritt Bennett to discover what this 100-year-old institution has to offer. Hint: It's much more than a great wedding…
- This Is Nashville
The Sewanee Review: The revival of Tennessee's storied literary magazine
After 43 years under the same editor, the literary magazine — which had once published the work of Southern writers like Flannery O’Connor, Eudora Welty and…
- This Is Nashville
Jerome Moore: Exploring social change with Nashville's native son
He is the creator and host of PBS talk show A Slice of Community as well as his own podcast, Deep Dish Conversations. He is a co-host on the Nashville Scene’s…
- This Is Nashville
Want to run for elected office in Tennessee? Here's what you need to know
Here in Tennessee, we have elected positions from local seats on county commissions and school boards all the way up to representatives in the state…
- This Is Nashville
Covid restaurateurs: Nashvillians who pursued a lifelong dream during lockdown
Many lives were lost, and many locally owned businesses shuttered for good. But from the ashes of the pandemic arose opportunities for entrepreneurs who had…
- This Is Nashville
Johnny Bragg and Higher Love: Healing the Incarcerated Through Music
Today we explore the power music has to heal some of these wounds with the inspiring story of Johnny Bragg, who in the 1940s found his voice inside the…
- This Is Nashville
This Is Nashvillians: Part 2
We decided to try it again: We asked six people from different parts of the region to share with us, and we were not disappointed. You’ll hear from folks of…
- This Is Nashville
Re-Air: Lent, traditions and practices
Today, we’re talking with local Christians about what Lent is and what it means to them. Guests: Father Jarrod Russell, Greek Orthodox priest Nadine Choufani…
- This Is Nashville
Re-air: Essential pollinators, plus invasive plants
Bees, butterflies, even birds and other insects provide the essential service of carrying pollen from flower to flower, helping to grow the food we eat. But as…
- This Is Nashville
Re-Air: Wildlife rescue in Middle Tennessee
Squirrels, possums, turtles, foxes, birds of prey and countless other wild creatures live right here with us in Middle Tennessee. Unfortunately, interactions…
- This Is Nashville
Re-Air: David French: political commentator and writer
Today, we sit with David as he reflects on the rigidity of political thought and the ways he believes political discourse in America must evolve. Plus, we talk…
- This Is Nashville
Threat assessment laws: Preventing mass violence or traumatizing kids?
The laws took effect before this school year, resulting in students across the state being arrested for statements that wouldn’t even get them expelled. Today…
- This Is Nashville
Expanding the hip-hop and R&B music industry
In recent years, Nashville has attracted industry professionals who are motivated to build up the industry support for hip-hop here and bring more opportunity…
- This Is Nashville
In My Place, Episode 10: The Connection
We look at how they establish relationships, connect people with services and start the housing process. We examine this initial point of contact and discuss…
- This Is Nashville
David Plazas: Building trust as a journalist
Having worked his way up from a print reporter in Florida, he now manages opinion and editorial pieces for The Tennessean. From the evolution of technology in…
- This Is Nashville
Your Turn to Talk: Ask the Mayor plus Berkshire Place Apartments
Do you have a concern you would like to be addressed? Do you have a question about the direction of the city? Call 615-760-2000 with your question or comment…
- This Is Nashville
Othered: Lifting Roadblocks to Expungement
But thanks to artificial intelligence, those seeking guidance may be able to extradite the process. Representatives from Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee…
- This Is Nashville
Finding joy and friendships with our neighbors with disabilities
Today we’re talking with members of Backlight Productions and Best Buddies, two organizations dedicated to building bridges, friendships, and having fun with…
- This Is Nashville
For the love of chocolate
Today we explore some of the city’s chocolatiers, chocolate artisans and candy bar makers. Plus, we’re one day away from Valentine’s Day and it’s your turn to…
- This Is Nashville
Elevating local African American history
Some contributions are well known — like the lunch counter sit-ins and school desegregation. Others have been lost to history. Today, we hear from those who…
- This Is Nashville
Deciding who can and can't work: Professional licensing boards in Tennessee
Here in Tennessee, several professions require licenses, including: contractors, doctors, lawyers, architects, private detectives and cosmetologists. Today…
- This Is Nashville
Abby Rubenfeld: a force for LGBTQ+ rights
Now, more than 45 years later, she continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, as the state has taken a targeted approach to the transgender community and other…
- This Is Nashville
Your Turn to Talk: new immigration policy
President Donald Trump’s administration pledged to deport approximately 11 million people who lack permanent legal status. And last week, Tennessee’s…
- This Is Nashville
Black History Month and the arts in Nashville
On this edition of This Is Nashville, we sit down with Belmont University choral instructor Jeffery Ames to discuss his labor of love, Requiem for Colour. We…
- This Is Nashville
It's time for some laughs! Our first This Is Nashville stand-up special!
After their sets, we’ll hear from Rhonda and Marcus about their comedy journeys and what the stand-up comedy scene is really like in Middle Tennessee. We’re…
- This Is Nashville
Erica Mitchell, CEO of United Way of Greater Nashville
United Way brings together volunteers, local organizations and funding to tackle some of the biggest issues facing our community. Mitchell is joining us today…
- This Is Nashville
Your Turn to Talk: Ask the Mayor plus a state legislative update
Do you have a concern you would like to be addressed? Do you have a question about the direction of the city? Call 615-760-2000 with your question or comment…
- This Is Nashville
Tennessee's wetlands are at risk
This legislative session, Tennessee lawmakers will consider a bill that will remove protections for our state’s wetlands. Today, we’re talking about why…
- This Is Nashville
Respectfully disagreeing: The Conversation Coalition
Now, the group wants to bridge even more gaps — not just between believers and non-believers — but between followers of different religions and ideologies…
- This Is Nashville
Mary Gauthier, singer, songwriter and author
Gauthier began writing songs relatively late in life, and her early work explores her troubled past and journey to sobriety. Her songwriting has earned her…
- This Is Nashville
Your Turn to Talk: Antioch High School shooting and gun violence
It seems that everyone can agree that no child should experience the terror of a school shooting, nor should any family experience the pain of an unimaginable…
- This Is Nashville
My experience… with an organ transplant
Becoming an organ donor is a way to offer a life-changing gift to others. Today, we’ll hear from Tennesseans who know this personally: a mother whose teenage…
- This Is Nashville
Lunar New Year: The Year of the Snake
The Lunar New Year is a time for gathering with relatives and friends for some food, fun and music. It's also a time to remember and honor one’s ancestors and…
- This Is Nashville
Tennessee state legislative preview
In this episode, we hear from reporters who will offer insights into what’s at stake and break down the major topics expected to dominate the conversation in…