This Is Nashville

And the relationship between new Americans and Nashville is reciprocal. Today, we look at the many ways immigrants and refugees add to the fabric of our community — and how the community empowers them with the tools they need to succeed. Plus, we're taking your calls. Join us!

This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.

Guests

Cathy Carrillo | Director of Community Engagement, Metro Human Relations Commission
Max Rykov | Director of Development & Communications, Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE)
Jorge Zetina | Member, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC)

These local chefs, influenced by the culinary creations of their ancestors, blend the ingredients and techniques of their homelands with those found in home of Nashville. Their new creations offer diners a peek inside their culture and allow them to stretch their imaginations and creativity. Join us as we speak with local chefs who share their unique stories, traditions, and recipes.

This episode was produced by David Hooper.

Guests

Vivek Surti | Tailor Nashville
Son Pham | Mister Son’s
Ana Aguilar | Tantisimo

Observing or performing a cultural dance can be a joyful, fun, challenging and deeply meaningful experience. Today, we’re speaking with local students and performers of dances from Mexico, India and West Africa. We’ll talk about what it takes to be part of dance traditions — and find out how to catch upcoming performances or join a class to learn.

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

GUESTS

As a Muslim Nigerian, she often finds herself at the intersection of race and religion, both locally and globally. Now in her second term, she has dedicated herself to making Nashville a city for everyone. Today, we’ll explore how these identities shape her role in Nashville, influence her work on the council, and highlight her core values and priorities.

This episode was produced by Elizabeth Burton.

While other areas of the city may be nearly blank slates for redevelopment, North Nashville boasts a vibrant history, thriving business district and a community deeply invested in preserving its culture and landmarks.

In this episode, we hear from local business owners and ambassadors from two organizations dedicated to thoughtfully guiding North Nashville's redevelopment. The Jefferson Street Historical Society was created to preserve and protect the over eighty Black-owned businesses that call it home — while increasing the visibility and potential uses of the area. Meanwhile, the Jubilee Bridge Area Revitalization Project aims to enhance, memorialize, and activate the gateway connecting the westside to two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) – Fisk University and Meharry Medical College — as well as Historic Jefferson Street.

This episode was produced by Khalil Ekulona and Mary Mancini.

In Tennessee, two very different groups are leading the way. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has launched Project Milkweed, a free milkweed seed distribution program designed to support the breeding and flourishing of the monarch butterfly. Simultaneously, the green witches use holistic means – herbs, plants, and the rhythms of the lunar and solar cycles – to heal and nurture themselves, others and the Earth. Today, we look at these efforts and how they reflect a growing passion for revitalizing our natural world.

This episode was produced by Joan Kite.

Guests

Michael McClanahan | Transportation Manager, Local Programs and Community Investments, TDOT
Carol Ashworth | Project Manager, Pollinator Habitat Program, TDOT
Isha El | Owner, Goddess on the Rise
Rebecca Petersen | Owner, Draconis Arcanum
Endora Gloom | Organizer, Nashville Witch’s Parade and GothBats.

In places where there is homelessness, we often see clashes between neighbors and businesses, service providers and the government. And, as neighbors and businesses lose patience, they can put pressure on politicians to find quick solutions, which can result in the abrupt removal of people and their encampment structures from public spaces. In today’s episode, we discuss how to mitigate tension by finding the middle ground — and solutions that address the needs of those experiencing homelessness and reduce negative community impact.

This series was created thanks in part to support from Pinnacle Financial Partners and was produced by Judy Tackett and Tasha A.F. Lemley.

Today's guests:

Mark Horvath | Founder and CEO, Invisible People
Ryan Lampa | Founder and CEO, People Loving Nashville
Councilman Jacob Kupin | Member, Metro Council; Founder, The Kupin Group
Dede Byrd | Certified registered nurse anesthetist (retired)
Tyrese Payton | Guest Commentator

As the recently installed pastor of the historic First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill in Nashville, he’s on a mission to inspire a new generation while respecting, in his unique way, the foundation of past leaders. In this episode we learn about his childhood in rural Louisiana and northern California, the work he is most proud of, and his vision for the future of Nashville's oldest Black Baptist church.

This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.

Often, in places where a bit of extra effort is needed, organizations, community groups and individuals step in to fill in the blanks and help navigate a sometimes confusing tangle of rules and regulations. As the deadline to register to vote for the November election approaches, we look at the most frequently asked questions about voting in Tennessee and hear from organizations that actively engage in the on-the-ground efforts to support and encourage voters. Plus, the phone lines are open for your questions and comments!

This episode is produced by Mary Mancini.

Guests

Dorinda C. Smith | Board Member, League of Women Voters Williamson County
Pratik Dash  | Political Director, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC)
Kalen Russell | Advocacy Manager, The Equity Alliance
Joseph Gutierrez | Executive Director, Asian and Pacific Islanders of Middle Tennessee

AARP ranked the state 47th on the Transportation Livability Index, indicating poor public transit, walkability, and coordination for people with disabilities. This episode looks at how four Nashvillians get around the city and what can be done to make Nashville a city that is truly inclusive of everyone.

This episode is produced by David Hooper.

Guests