This Is Nashville

In this episode, we hear from reporters who will offer insights into what’s at stake and break down the major topics expected to dominate the conversation in the coming months — from school vouchers and abortion pill access to immigration and guns. And we want to hear from you: What issues are important to you? And what do you want from lawmakers in the coming months? Today, it's your turn to talk, so join us by calling 615-760-2000!This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.GUESTS: Sam Stockard, Tennessee Lookout Reporter and Columnist Marianna Bacallao, WPLN State Legislature Reporter Catherine Sweeney, WPLN Health Reporter Char Daston, WPLN Reporter

Each year, millions of adults and children fall victim to sexual exploitation, forced labor, or both. In this episode, we confront the harsh realities of human trafficking in Middle Tennessee and the broader state. We explore who is affected and learn about the efforts of local enforcement, nonprofits and community leaders who work to prevent this crime and support the survivors. And we learn how individuals and communities can take action to recognize the signs of trafficking and make a difference in the lives of those affected.LISTENER NOTE: This episode contains stories of real experiences of human trafficking with references to sexual assault, physical abuse, drug use and child abuse.This episode was produced by Mary Mancini and Josh Deepen.Guests Christina Meadows | Director of Operations and Rescue, Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition (NAHT); Trafficked for over 20 years Monti Herring | Director of Educate to Recognize, Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition (NAHT) Terrié Moore | 2022 Graduate of Thistle Farms and Executive Assistant to the CEO of Thistle Farms; Advocate in the Tennessee Businesses Against Trafficking Jeremy Lofquest | Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) of Human Trafficking Unit, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

It is often difficult to figure out how to visit and stay connected to a loved one who is incarcerated. It is also challenging to navigate the emotions, and often judgement, that comes with the loss of someone close from daily life to prison. Today we’re talking about what it’s like to love someone - a child, a parent, a spouse, a friend- who is incarcerated and local resources available to help. Join us!This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.GUESTS Angie Tallent, Family member, guest of Family Reconciliation Center Rick Lemieux, Family member, guest of Family Reconciliation Center Chantel Baker, Clinic mental health counselor Reisha Kidd, Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministries, Director of Community and Youth Engagement Warden Taurean James, Warden of the Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center

Today, we talk with Settles about the philosophy behind her mission to heal, what music means to her, and how she chose to center everything she does from a place of love. Plus, she performs live for us in the studio.Guest Odessa Settles, musician and retired nurse

Through guided dialogues, One Small Step encourages participants to listen just as much as they speak and stay open to a wide range of opinions. Dialogue Vanderbilt has partnered with StoryCorps to bring One Small Step to Middle-Tennessee and Jad Abumrad, Vanderbilt’s Distinguished Research Professor of Communication of Science and Technology and co-founder of Radiolab, joins us to talk about the essentials and efficacy of this ambitious program.This episode was produced by Mary Mancini and Josh Deepan.GUESTJad Abumrad, Distinguished Research Professor of Communication of Science and Technology and co-founder of Radiolab, Vanderbilt UniversityFURTHER READING One Small Step FAQ Watch One Small Step conversations

Today, we talk about Tennessee’s job market and some of the major concerns employers and employees face right now. We also hear about the local resources available to help anyone, even young people, figure out their next career step and get support while navigating a job search.This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.GUESTS Dr. Donald Bruce, Boyd Distinguished Professor in the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee Adam Sichko, Senior Reporter, Nashville Business Journal Paul Hines, Team Lead Nashville, American Job Center Dr. Julie Williams, Associate Vice President, Student Affairs Nashville State Community College Betsy Wills, Co-Founder of YouScience, Author of "Your Hidden Genius" FURTHER READING University of Tennessee Knoxville | Boyd Center Report Shows Tennessee’s Economy to Surpass US Growth in 2025 Nashville Business Journal | Here's what companies expect for hiring and pay in 2025

Folx Table provides strangers the space and opportunity to meet — and hopefully, become friends. Today, we talk with the founders about connection and building community. Plus, to demonstrate how it works, some people who have never met join us in the studio to play Folx Table's "get to know someone better" games.Guests Emma McCallie | Co-founder and CEO, Folx Table Dallas Condra | Co-founder and COO, Folx Table Justin Allman Hannah Kelly Tina Dominguez

Today, we sit with the thought leader as he reflects on the rigidity of political thought and the ways in which 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. And, as we enter another new era of Conservatism and Liberalism, what does he envision for the future of our country? 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

Their responses can be spoken word poetry, an essay, a speech. It can be ... whatever they want. It’s their voice expressing what their city means to them. Today seven people share their perspective on what this city and region means to them. Their words. Their voices.This Is Nashville presents … This Is Nashvillians.This episode was produced by Khalil Ekulona.Guests:Mac PirkleChris CroftonS’Kaila ColbertErica PerryBenjamin BrowningWillie “Big Fella” SimsKate ParrishMusic Playlist:Christmas Time Is Here - Vince Guaraldi TrioMerry Something To You - DevoLast Christmas - WHAMSound the Trumpet - The Wailers (feat. Bob Marley)Snow Fall - Ahmad Jamal TrioChristmas In Hollis - Run-DMCSilver Bells - Loretta LynnMillie Pulled a Pistol on Santa - De La Soul

The holiday season is in full swing! With preparing for all of the fun, parties, family gatherings- and maybe even traveling, you might find yourself feeling a bit drained and tired. That is where practices like tai chi, yoga and meditation come in. Today we’ll talk with Nashvillians who use those practices to help themselves and others recenter and find peace. We’ll learn about what the practices are, how anyone can get started in a few moments today, and what you need to know if you want to step into a dedicated practice. We’ll even have a guided meditation and sound meditation in studio too! Join us!Guests:  Peter Hodes, Founder, Instructor Tai Chi River  Sujatha Yarlagadda, Yoga Instructor, Yoga Therapist Khrys Baltodano,  Founder, Owner, and Teacher Hola Yoga Jo-Jo Jackson, Yoga and Meditation Instructor, www.theyogibassist.com Today’s episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.