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 state lawmakers to pass a “foster youth bill of rights” based on her own experience in the foster care system. As a high schooler, she led student protests around gun violence. Today, we talk to her about the process of writing a bill, advice for aging out of foster care, and the moment when she realized she could use her voice for good.

This episode was produced by Emily Siner.

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 happening right now and look at the real and potential effect these taxes will have on businesses and consumers.

Plus, WPLN environmental reporter Caroline Eggers updates us on new state legislation that could impact Tennessee's wetlands.

This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.

Guests

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 location. After that, we check in with NECAT to learn more about their brand-new documentary, "It’s All Connected: The Art of Sustainability." 

This episode was produced by Khalil Ekulona.

Guests

Further reading and watching

• Watch the trailer for "It’s All Connected: The Art of Sustainability" on YouTube and register for the premiere on March 22, 2025 here.

 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 William Faulkner — had fallen into a slump.

But, in 2016, Nashville-based writer Adam Ross took over as editor. Since then, the review has seen a revival. Ross has brought the previously print-only journal into the digital age — it now has a website, an Instagram, a podcast — and has published the work of contemporary literary giants.

In this episode, we hear from the review’s editorial staff and a recently published writer about the review's history and the value of a literary magazines, plus excerpts from pieces published in the review itself.

This episode was produced by Cynthia Abrams.

Guests

Further reading

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 podcast and an author. He is recognized for his commitment to exploring social justice and  track record of community organizing. 

So, what shaped his world view? How did leaving Nashville to explore the world help him learn new ways to serve his hometown? We’ll talk with the multi-talented media personality about his work and learn why he commits himself to helping communities grow.

This episode was produced by Khalil Ekulona.

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 legislature and U.S. Congress. But where do you start as a candidate, and what does it actually take to run a campaign? 

Today, we’re breaking down what you need to know to run for office, including what trainings are available for first-time candidates.

Today's episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

GUESTS

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 always wanted to make a foray into the world of restaurants. On today’s show, local business owners who opened up shop during lockdown share their stories and how they managed to grow and thrive during one of the most troubling times of the century. 

This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. 

Guests:

Restaurant locations:

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 Tennessee State Prison and went on to form the chart-topping group, The Prisonaires. We also hear from the founder and a musician with Higher Love, about what it’s like to go inside the prison walls with musical performances and messages of hope, love and worth.

Guests

Further reading and listening

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 all ages and backgrounds. Sit back and open up your ears as we hear from a middle schooler, college junior, entrepreneur, a retired community member, a long time Nashville resident, and a sitting Metro Council member. They all provide us with a lot of food for thought.

We present… This Is Nashvillians: Part 2.

This episode was produced by Khalil Ekulona.

Guests:

Music playlist:

Today, we’re talking with local Christians about what Lent is and what it means to them.

Guests:

This episode was produced by Tasha A.F. Lemley, Rachel Iacovone and Katherine Ceicys.