In his new book, writer Jordan Ritter Conn delves into the lives of four men, from very different backgrounds, living in disparate parts of the country. All of them are reckoning, in their own ways, with how their lives — and their sense of self-worth — have been shaped by ideas around masculinity. American Men, published April 21, is a deeply reported, empathetic look at male identity, warts and all: "There's some rough stuff in here," he says.

The Nashville native and staff writer at The Ringer spent the better part of six years visiting and interviewing the four men whose narratives interweave over the course of the book. And for Jordan, the project is also personal — bringing to the surface questions he has been asking about his own experiences growing up and giving space to explore them honestly and without judgment.

Guest: Jordan Ritter Conn, senior writer at The Ringer, author of American Men and The Road From Raqqa

Host: Demetria Kalodimos

Producer: Steve Haruch

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Adam Dread didn't mean to become an attorney. For a time, he tried his hand at stand-up comedy, touring the country one club at a time. But he studied law, he says, to become a better politician — understanding laws in order to write them. That's what he did for a time as a Metro Councilmember. He also spent time on the radio and shot a reality show that involved wearing judge's robes.

All that to say Adam has led an interesting life — one that could have ended when he lost consciousness behind the wheel, waking from a coma days later to learn he had the genetic markers for a rare blood disorder. These days, he's still practicing law as he splits his time between Nashville and Nantucket.

Guest: Adam Dread, attorney

Host: Demetria Kalodimos

Producer: Steve Haruch

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Banner reporters Steven Hale and Stephen Elliott sit down to talk about Tuesday's Metro Council meeting. Stephen explains the council's debates about nominees to boards and commissions, a proposed water bill credit and the East Bank. Steven asks him about why he loves the Mamma Mia franchise and they discuss the role shadows play in local politics. Steven also shares his favorite tweet of all time that he felt never got proper recognition. Listen to the episode to hear it fall flat for both Stephen and Andrea, and to hear Steven sing "Voices Carry" while desperately trying to explain himself.

P.S. Donate to support the Banner so we can keep producing this podcast!

Produced by Andrea Tudhope

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Back in his hometown after stints in New York and Los Angeles, Morgxn has a new album, Heartland, and will be performing at Freely Fest — a celebration of the First Amendment featuring The Killers, Janelle Monae and more — on April 8. He's honored to use his music to stand up for free speech. It's something he deeply believes in, as his regular presence at the state legislature goes to show.

A third-generation Nashvillian, Morgxn — né Morgan Karr — says he always wanted to create a refuge. And he's made his dream come true with a place called Fruity Farm. It's literally a fruit farm but has also served as an impromptu Pride Festival venue — and we've got some exclusive news about that in this episode. He also talks about his experience with bullying and the Nashville high school that helped him believe in his own story.

Guest: Morgxn, singer and songwriter

Host: Demetria Kalodimos

Producer: Steve Haruch

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Banner reporters Steven Hale and Eden Turner sit down to talk about Eden's reporting on the Cottages at Drakes Creek, Nashville's first publicly funded housing co-op. They discuss what makes a housing cooperative unique as a response to the affordable housing crisis and the tight community that has formed as Drakes Creek tries to establish one. Eden also talks about her latest story on Vanderbilt University Medical Center's decision to stop performing gender-affirming surgeries for adults. Finally, they briefly share their thoughts on Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters and the movie-themed Happy Meals they had for lunch.

Produced by Andrea Tudhope.

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Robert Churchwell Sr. made history when he joined the original Nashville Banner as the city's first African American reporter. The paper's owner at the time, James Stahlman, opposed integration, but Churchwell made a name for himself anyway — even if he didn't have a desk in the newsroom at first. Last week, a historical marker commemorating his accomplishments was unveiled outside the North Nashville magnet school that bears his name.

In this special episode, Robert Churchwell Jr. shares his memories of his trailblazing father's career and life outside of work — where "he was always dad." This interview was originally recorded as part of our premier episode.

Guest: Robert Churchwell Jr., son of Robert Churchwell Sr., Nashville's first African American staff reporter

Host: Demetria Kalodimos

Producer: Andrea Tudhope

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When he took over as executive director Fisk University's John Lewis Center for Social Justice last year, Dr. Sekou Franklin knew he was stepping into a big role, and one steeped in history. "He has demonstrated a deep commitment to social justice, education and community — values deeply ingrained in Fisk's mission and legacy," the university's president, Agenia Clark, said when he was hired in July 2025.

The longtime political science professor hopes to carry forward that legacy as he works to connect students, faculty and Nashvillians from across the city. A veteran of social justice activism, including a key role in getting a community oversight board on the ballot in Nashville, Sekou says he is impressed every day by the talent he sees in the students on campus, and young people around the city.

Guest: Sekou Franklin, executive director, John Lewis Center for Social Justice at Fisk University

Host: Demetria Kalodimos

Producer: Steve Haruch

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Banner reporters Steven Hale and Mikeie Honda Reiland sit down to talk about Mikeie's reporting on the case of Estefany Rodríguez, the Nashville Noticias reporter who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on March 5. After our recording, Estefany was released on bond on Thursday, March 19. In this episode, we talk about her background as an immigrant and a reporter as well as the disputed circumstances surrounding her arrest and detention. Mikeie shares his experience visiting her home to talk to her husband and what we've learned about the mass deportation regime by following her case closely. 

Produced by Andrea Tudhope

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Growing up in Johnson City, Tenn., Mo Sabri could look out the window of his parents' house and see cows. He grew up listening to Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. He played baseball and football. It was an all-American childhood in many ways. Add a guitar, and all of this sounds like the perfect backstory for a country music singer — except for a detail or two.

Mo's parents immigrated from Pakistan, and he grew up Muslim. Neither of those facts can take away his love for country music, or his pride in being raised just down the road from the hallowed ground of Bristol. Still, after nearly a decade in Nashville and an international following, Mo still finds that for many, just being Muslim is, as he describes it, "radioactive." But that's not stopping him from writing songs or finding new connections between the traditions he embodies.

And now, those connections are coming to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, where Mo will perform a special Eid concert on May 31 with musicians of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, combining Appalachian country with South Asian qawwali.

This episode was first broadcast in April 2025.

Guest: Mo Sabri, musician

Host: Demetria Kalodimos

Producer: Steve Haruch

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Banner reporters Steven Hale and Stephen Elliott sit down to talk about the fairgrounds, the property's fascinating role in Nashville politics over the past 15 years and Stephen's story about the latest tensions surrounding its development. They also discuss last week's Metro Council meeting and Oscar-nominated movies.

Produced by Andrea Tudhope

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