The past few years have not been easy for Nashville’s WeGo bus network. But behind the scenes, the agency has been trying to make progress on improvements that riders have been requesting for many years.

On today’s show, we start by looking back over the bus system’s recent history. In 2018, voters rejected a sprawling mass transit proposal. In 2019, budget cuts led WeGo to eliminate some routes. And then the coronavirus pandemic slashed ridership.

We’ll also talk with WeGo leaders and frequent bus riders about what’s been going on since then. The agency has been using data and analysis to tweak its routes and schedules, and has had some success in running buses more frequently, as well as later into the night, and more often on weekends.

You can also learn more about WeGo’s latest adjustments — which took effect Oct. 2 — online here.

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Nashville is known as the Buckle on the Bible Belt. However, the city is home to a diversity of religions and traditions, including paganism.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by a pair of community leaders to learn more about Pagan Pride Day and what it means to be pagan in a traditionally Christian area. Then, we’ll hear from solo practitioners about how they found paganism, and how they discuss their spirituality with their family and friends.

But first, WPLN’s political and criminal justice reporters fill us in on their interview with Tennessee’s new Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti.

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Film festival season is underway in Nashville. The International Black Film Festival wrapped up on Sunday while the Nashville Film Festival is slated to run until Wednesday. 

In this episode, we look at the history and significance of these two festivals in Music City. We'll also be joined by local filmmakers, who will talk about their craft and decision to work in Nashville.

But first, Hillsdale College-affiliated charter schools withdrew its request to start schools in Tennessee on Friday after complaints from parents. NewsChannel 5 investigative reporter Phil Williams will explain the controversy behind these schools and what it says about the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission.

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Anyone who lives in Nashville can tell you how hard it is to get around town without a car. But, trying to bike to work or school can be dangerous or downright impossible in the city.

Today, we’re joined by transportation planners and a cyclist to learn more about the current state of our city’s cycling infrastructure and what plans are in the works. Then, we’ll hear from a couple of educators who work with kids and adults about what it means to own a bicycle and the best ways to stay safe on the road.

But first, WPLN metro reporter Ambriehl Crutchfield discusses her profile of Nashville’s Vice Mayor Jim Shulman and the politics of politeness.

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When it comes to manners and etiquette, every city has its local quirks. So we explore the question: What is “Nashville Nice”?

This is the South, so you’re likely to hear a good old fashioned “bless your heart” on a regularly basis. But there’s more to unpack. So we explore some of the origins and nuances of Music City’s social graces with our panel — as well the potential downsides of keeping up an appearance of niceness.

But first, it’s our weekly @Us segment.

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Nashville is home to one of the nation’s most prominent HBCU marching bands: The Aristocrat of Bands (AOB) at Tennessee State University.

The band is revered for its live performances, including at presidential inaugurations, NFL halftime shows and parades. Now they’re blazing a new path with a studio-recorded gospel album, “The Urban Hymnal,” that unites many musical genres. On today’s show we’ll hear the behind-the-scenes story of how that album came to be, learn more about the legacy of the AOB, and talk with current and former members of the band.

Then we’ll look to the next generation of marching bands by hearing from high school band directors and a student musician. With that next generation in mind, Metro Schools is hosting its first “Metro Marching Classic” on Saturday. The free event begins at 5:30 p.m. at John Overton High School and will feature performances by a dozen of the city’s marching bands.

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Housing is affordable — meaning you are not cost burdened — if it takes up 30% or less of your gross income, according to national housing guidelines. But we want to know what YOU would consider affordable in Nashville.

In this episode, we’re speaking with local residents to about their particular concerns about finding and paying for housing in Nashville. Then, we’re joined by a local expert and an official to answer listener questions.

But first, WPLN contributor Laura Dean will dive into her reporting on proposed transit plans for the East Bank.

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With a mix of homegrown startups and big players moving in, Nashville’s tech scene is booming, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

It’s good news for the city’s boosters who see the economic benefits of a strong tech sector, which is expected to bring thousands of high-paying jobs. However, there’s a lingering question about who will fill those jobs, especially since the tech field is predominately white and male%2C%20and). 

But, in Nashville, there are those who are working to make the field more inclusive. Today, we’ll talk to them about their initiatives to diversify tech and the challenges they’ve faced in the field.

We’ll be starting the show with an update from senior health reporter Blake Farmer about the controversy surrounding Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Transgender Health Clinic.

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When you think of Music City, you probably think of the big-name musicians who got their start here. But session musicians, studio musicians, and backing musicians are a huge part of what keeps the live music scene alive and thriving.

These are the go-to musicians hired to perform in recording sessions or live performances. In this episode, we’ll meet session musicians and a recording engineer to get an inside look at how the craft works.

But first, we’re talking about the vulnerabilities of our electricity grid with WPLN environmental reporter Caroline Eggers.

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Bisexual people make up the largest proportion of the LGBTQ community but are also sometimes the least visible. So, we take a look at the lives and journeys of bisexual people in this city, and how they find community on social media, and in person.

But first, we start the hour with our weekly @ Us segment, responding to your feedback.

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