Re-air: Essential pollinators, plus invasive plants

Today, we’re talking with local Christians about what Lent is and what it means to them.Guests: Father Jarrod Russell, Greek Orthodox priest Nadine Choufani, Parishioner, St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Mission Pastor Liza Hawkins, Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Lindsey Krinks, Street Chaplain and activist Tewodros Manaye, Member, Ethiopian Orthodox Church This episode was produced by Tasha A.F. Lemley, Rachel Iacovone and Katherine Ceicys.

Bees, butterflies, even birds and other insects provide the essential service of carrying pollen from flower to flower, helping to grow the food we eat.But as the number of pollinators dwindle due to loss of habitat and overuse of pesticides, what do Tennesseans need to know about these fascinating creatures? How can we help the pollinators to thrive? What can we do, or not do, to encourage their populations? Plus, two experts tell us about invasive plants, which can have a negative effect on our health, safety and food supply.The segments in today’s episode were produced by Magnolia Mckay, Tasha A.F. Lemley and Joan Kite.Guests: Mike Studer, Tennessee state apiarist Gene Smalley, beekeeper Ian Dawe, founding member of The Honey Collective, secretary of Nashville Area Beekeepers Association Carol Ashworth, project manager, Pollinator Habitat Program, TDOT Mike McClanahan, transportation manager, Local Programs and Community Investments, Highway Beautification at TDOT Dr. Andrew Bell, executive director at the Nashville Tree Foundation Dr. Matthew Blair, plant scientist, TSU Professor for the College of Agriculture

Squirrels, possums, turtles, foxes, birds of prey and countless other wild creatures live right here with us in Middle Tennessee. Unfortunately, interactions with humans and human-made things can lead to injuries or death for these animals.Today, we’re speaking with the dedicated leaders and volunteers of several local wildlife rehabilitation centers to learn about what to do — and not do — if we come across an injured wild animal. We’ll also discuss steps we can take to be considerate and help prevent injuries to our wild neighbors.This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.GUESTS: Joanna Johnson, animal care manager, Walden’s Puddle Wildlife Center of Greater Nashville Jerry Vandiver, volunteer with Walden’s Puddle Wildlife Center of Greater Nashville Anastasia Kudrez, executive director of Harmony Wildlife Debbie Sykes, director of Nashville Wildlife Conservation Center Molly Mayes, wildlife educator, Nashville Wildlife Conservation Center

Today, we sit with David as he reflects on the rigidity of political thought and the ways he believes political discourse in America must evolve. Plus, we talk about his journey and what led him to write for high profile publications like the New York Times. As we enter another new era of Conservatism v. Liberalism, what does he envision for the future of our country?This episode was produced by Tasha AF Lemley. Further reading and listening: The New York Times Opinion | My Old Church’s Fundamentalist Wing Canceled Me by David French The New York Times Opinion | We Don’t Have Time to Waste in Despair by David French

The laws took effect before this school year, resulting in students across the state being arrested for statements that wouldn’t even get them expelled. Today, we discuss the conflicting nature of school threat assessment laws and the unintended consequences they’ve created. And it’s your turn to talk. We want to hear from you: Are threat assessment laws in Tennessee working? Call 615-760-2000 with your question or comment.Guests Aliyya Swaby, ProPublica, Reporter covering children, families and social inequality Paige Pfleger, WPLN, Criminal Justice Reporter Kevin Boyer, Father of 11-year-old arrested in Chattanooga Zoë Jamail, Policy Coordinator for Disability Rights Tennessee Matt Moore, Assistant Public Defender for the 26th Judicial District of Tennessee

In recent years, Nashville has attracted industry professionals who are motivated to build up the industry support for hip-hop here and bring more opportunity to local artists. Today, we hear about this side of the music industry that continues to grow, including two recent songwriting camps that aim to connect a new generation of hip-hop and R&B artists to industry professionals — and each other.Guests Eric Holt, Lovenoise Founder and Professor, Belmont University Jewly Hight, Senior Music Writer, WPLN News Anay Richardson, Prescription Songs Kelly White, Prescription Songs SeddyMac, Singer-Songwriter and Hip-Hop Artist Jack Vinoy, Organizer, ca.mp3 KJ Mitchell, Producer/Engineer

We look at how they establish relationships, connect people with services and start the housing process. We examine this initial point of contact and discuss what the role of assessments and data play when engaging with the unhoused population.Nashville Public Radio's daily show, This Is Nashville, launches the second season of In My Place — a series about finding home in our growing city. In My Place educates listeners on what communities like Nashville can do to prevent and end homelessness — while caring for our neighbors who are still unhoused. Over the course of nine monthly episodes, we will talk to people who still experience homelessness. We will learn about what it feels like to access services and maneuver through the complexities of our local homelessness and healthcare systems on the path to housing. We will discuss with our guests what services work, what resources are missing, and their ideas for improving access to housing and services. This series was created thanks in part to support from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and was produced by Judy Tackett and Tasha A.F. Lemley.Guests Raven Nye | Director of housing initiatives, The Contributor Lisa Wysocky | Executive Director, Colby’s Army Benjamin Cantrell | Quality of Life Officer, West Precinct Further in Overview Episode of In My Place Episode 1: Homelessness Facts and Faces Episode 2: Housing First Episode 3: Housing Strategies Episode 4: The interconnectedness of health care, housing and homelessness Episode 5: Upstream homelessness prevention Episode 6: Hidden Homelessness Episode 7: Permanent supportive housing Episode 8: The Impact of Homelessness on Residents and Business Owners Episode 9: Solutions

Having worked his way up from a print reporter in Florida, he now manages opinion and editorial pieces for The Tennessean. From the evolution of technology in news and media to the continuous change sweeping across Nashville, he joins us in-studio to share what he feels about the city, why the public has lost trust in news outlets, and how he was brought up and later came out. This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. GUESTDavid Plazas, Opinion and Engagement Director at The Tennessean

Do you have a concern you would like to be addressed? Do you have a question about the direction of the city? Call 615-760-2000 with your question or comment. Later in the show, we hear from residents of Berkshire Place Apartments in East Nashville who are finally moving — years after they were first told to vacate. We’ll learn what’s at stake when an entire community must move.This episode was produced by Tasha A.F. Lemley and Mary Mancini.GuestsFreddie O’Connell | Mayor, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County

But thanks to artificial intelligence, those seeking guidance may be able to extradite the process. Representatives from Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and former clients who have successfully expunged charges from their own records join This Is Nashville to share their stories, mistakes to avoid, and how to use technology as a tool upon reentry.This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. GUESTS  Savannah Quintero, Legal Aid Society's Director of Reentry Project Zac Oswald, Legal Aid Society's Senior Deputy Director of Client Services Dallas Reddy, Legal Aid Society Board Member and former client Amanda Atkins, former client