We promised drama at Tuesday’s Metro Council meeting and it delivered — although not in the way we expected. Nashville Scene columnist Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek for the final Friday News Roundup of 2024. She’s explaining why Morgan Wallen’s sign got approved without discussion and how a resolution involving public safety departments sparked emotions. Nicole and Whitney also go long on the “Survivor” finale (where local Titans beat reporter Sam Phalen made the final three), Marie alerts us to Justin Timberlake’s wardrobe malfunction at Bridgestone, and everyone shares their New Year’s resolutions for Nashville.

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Learn more about the sponsor of this Dec. 20th episode: Tecovas

Nashville Zoo director of marketing Jim Bartoo joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to commemorate this month’s 51st anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. They discuss the species that need protecting here in Nashville, the Zoo’s larger conservation work, and why Zoolumination (now through Feb. 9) is a must-see winter activity.

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Learn more about the sponsor of this Dec. 19th episode: Tecovas

The very real Santa Claus sits down with host Marie Cecile Anderson to answer our burning questions: What do kids want this year? How does he handle crying babies? And who needs to clean their room? The first half of this episode is perfect for kiddos, with Santa responding to listener questions. For the second half, we go adults-only, and find out how Chuck Smith turned some cheap shag carpeting into a career of bringing joy to Middle Tennessee.

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Learn more about the sponsor of this Dec. 18th episode: Tecovas

Aftyn Behn, the Democratic State House Representative for Nashville’s District 51, joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to discuss her newly-filed bill to eliminate the Tennessee grocery tax, the Republican bill that was filed in response, and what she’s expecting from the 2025 TN General Assembly session, which begins Jan. 14. 

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Learn more about the sponsor of this Dec. 17th episode: Tecovas

Dr. Keegan Smith of Heritage Medical Associates is one of the best allergists in Nashville. How do we know? Because both executive producer Whitney Pastorek and newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury are his patients. They sit down with Dr. Smith to get his advice on how to avoid the Holiday Crud, whether you’re traveling, seeing family, or just trying to survive your adorable little petri dish of a child. Plus: Great gift ideas for allergy sufferers!

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Learn more about the sponsor of this Dec. 16th episode: Tecovas

Metro Arts is back in the news for this edition of the Friday News Roundup, as the Arts Commission has finally agreed on a funding mechanism. Host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are breaking that down, as well as What’s Banned in Tennessee This Week, why Morgan Wallen’s various “aerial encroachments” are swirling once again, quick hits on stories out of TSU and one of our local plantations, and why congratulations are in order for Vanderbilt Football.

And stick around after the roundup for our Don’t Go Gently tip for the weekend, presented by our exclusive launch sponsor, Tecovas. Nashville’s favorite record store, Grimey’s, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this Saturday at The Basement East with a holiday-themed bash. It’s got a banger lineup of musicians — Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor, Langhorne Slim, Robyn Hitchcock — and rumor is Santa plans to make an appearance. Feel free to bring your kids to this family-friendly event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and all proceeds will benefit Trans Aid Nashville. Don’t go gently, go in Tecovas!

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Learn more about the sponsor of this Dec. 13th episode: United Way of Greater Nashville

Chef Wes Scoggins, a.k.a. the Jewish Cowboy, sits down with host Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about Nashville Hanukkah traditions and how his identity as a Jewish Texan informs his cooking, and tell the story of fending off neo-Nazi goons last summer via the simple act of offering them a hot dog.

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Learn more about the sponsor of this Dec. 12th episode: United Way of Greater Nashville

NPR Music critic and friend of the pod Ann Powers joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to round up the best albums released by Nashville artists in 2024, from superstars like Brittany Howard to notable newcomers like Madi Diaz. Did your fave make the list?

And stick around for our special segment, A Mile in Their Boots: We’ll be going inside a day in the life of April Moore, a fitness coach with a mission to help busy moms. Thanks to Tecovas, our Western wear faves, for sponsoring this segment, and for being our exclusive launch sponsor!

Here is a playlist featuring songs from the artists discussed on today's show.

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Learn more about the sponsor of this Dec. 11th episode: United Way of Greater Nashville

The transportation referendum passed, but will it help the people who often need public transit the most? Disability rights advocate Robby Barbieri joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to discuss the state of disability access in Nashville; his nonprofit, Music City Wheels; and his successful campaign to change Tennessee law by creating a Medicaid buy-in program so that people with disabilities can earn income and still receive assistance.

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Learn more about the sponsor of this Dec. 10th episode: United Way of Greater Nashville

It’s “Nutcracker” season — but given the upheaval at Metro Arts, we need to talk about more than just the Sugar Plum Fairy. Host Marie Cecile Anderson is joined by Nick Mullikin, Artistic Director and CEO of the Nashville Ballet; Asia Pyron, director and choreographer of PYDANCE; and Sarah Atenhan, president and artistic director of Satellite Dance. They’ll discuss their current projects, their passion for broadening dance access in Nashville, and unpack how the Metro Arts chaos — and insufficient arts funding in general — is impacting their work.

Nashville Ballet’s “Nutcracker” is running now through Dec. 26. Get tickets here.

“God’s Country” by PYDANCE is Jan. 17, 2025 at TPAC. Get tickets here. 

Follow Satellite Dance on Instagram here.

Further reading on the Metro Arts debacle:

A timeline of events from Dec. 2022 to March 2024

Deep dive into the fallout from the 2023 change in funding mechanism

The Title VI discrimination complaint filed by artists against Metro Arts 

Metro Human Relations Commission report after investigation of Title VI complaint*

Conciliation agreement

August 2024 update on events following conciliation agreement

*City Cast executive producer Whitney Pastorek is an MHRC commissioner and voted in favor of the conciliation agreement

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Learn more about the sponsor of this Dec. 9th episode: United Way of Greater Nashville