Mister Rogers once told his young viewers to “look for the helpers” in times of crisis.

On this episode we talk with advocates who work every day with some of the most vulnerable in this country: immigrants. We hear from lawyers on both the employment side and the humanitarian side of immigration law. Plus, we learn about the impact of being an immigration lawyer in 2025 has on mental health. 

This episode was produced by Char Daston and Josh Deepan. 

GUESTS:

Do you have a concern you would like him to address? Do you have a question about the direction of the city? Every month, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell joins us to discuss the latest happenings in and around the city — and take your calls!

This month, the mayor talks ICE raids, transportation, the State of Metro and more. Then, later in the show, we hear from Metro Property Assessor Vivian Wilhoite about the latest property tax assessment and appeals process.

Next month, the mayor is scheduled to join us on Thursday, June 18. Mark your calendar and call 615-760-2000 at noon that day with your question or comment. You can also leave us a message at 615-751-2500 and it might end up on the show!

This episode was produced by Mary Mancini and Cynthia Abrams.

Guests

Bill Birdsong Miller has been playing and creating music for over 50 years. He might be having more fun now than ever before.

Nashville-based musician Bill Birdsong Miller is an icon in the Native American music community. He discovered his love for music when he was young, and the deep connection and joy he found when he played has guided him through a career spanning several decades, countless tours and 3 grammy wins. Today he’s here to share wisdom he’s earned from his global career and his own evolution as an artist–  and he’ll be performing live in the studio. Join us!

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

GUESTS

• Bill Birdsong Miller

FURTHER LISTENING

Yesterday, reporters assigned to cover the Tennessee State Capitol joined us for a legislative wrap-up. Today, we go a bit deeper with a post-session analysis.

How will the bills passed on issues like education, immigration and foster care impact the lives of the people who live and work in Tennessee? Plus, we’re opening up the phone lines because it’s your turn to talk. What questions or comments do you have about the legislation passed this year? Call 615-760-2000 to join the conversation.

This episode was produced and hosted by Mary Mancini.

Guests

Further reading and listening

The Tennessee legislature recently wrapped up the first half of the 114th General Assembly, and there is a lot to digest.

Today, we bring you the first of a two-part review. Reporters assigned to cover the work of our elected state representatives join us to recap the bills passed, the bills still waiting to be signed by the governor, and the constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot in 2026.

Tomorrow, we go a bit deeper into the issues with a post-session analysis — that you can join by calling 615-760-2000 at noon Thursday.

Guests

Tennessee has a precious natural resource: wetlands. We even have wetlands right here in the heart of Nashville. And they are at risk.

During the 2025 legislative session, Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill that will cut some of the protections for wetlands across the state. Developers now have the option to build over wetlands without informing the state and will no longer be financially incentivized to develop around them.

Today, we hear why wetlands are a valuable part of a healthy ecosystem. We also break down the legislation and check in with local groups working to protect this natural resource.

This episode was produced by Caroline Eggers, WPLN’s environmental reporter, and Katherine Ceicys.

GUESTS

FURTHER READING & LISTENING

• WPLN | Wetlands have some protections in Tennessee. The state legislature might remove them.

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 speak with Amy about not just her career but her experiences raising a family while on the road, her perceptions of Nashville, and what she has in store next. We also speak with her about her approach to writing and composing a song and the importance of collaboration when making music.

This episode was produced by Khalil Ekulona. 

GUESTS:

• Amy Grant, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter

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, paddle boarding, or fishing! There are so many ways to enjoy being on the water. Today we're talking with local water enthusiasts about their favorite ways to jump in — and what you need to know to get out there  to join them – and stay safe. Join us!

2025 update: Want to gain skills and confidence on the water? Check out the 2025 National Safe Boating Week and consider signing up for Kayak 101 classes which will be held across several TN state parks on May 17th for $15 (usually $50-100).

Today's show was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

Today's Guests:

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 about their past school years. We’ll find out what they’ve learned in and out of the classroom and how they are navigating friendships, responsibilities and new freedoms. We’ll also hear from some students who were on the show in the fall. Join us!

Today's episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. 

GUESTS

FURTHER LISTENING

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 homelessness — while caring for our neighbors who are still unhoused.

In our first two episodes of this season, we talked about what the first point of contact is like between someone who’s experiencing homelessness and someone who could potentially offer help — and then how they build trust after that point.

In this episode, we talk about what happens next on the road home: the processes and paperwork it takes for people to transition out of homelessness to housing.

Over the course of nine monthly episodes, we’re learning about what it feels like to access services and weave through our local homelessness and healthcare systems. We’re discussing what services work, what resources are missing, and what ideas our guests have for improvement.

This series was created thanks in part to support from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and was produced by Judith Tackett.

Guests: