Herb Williams on sculpting with crayons and speaking out through art

Local artist Herb Williams spent years struggling to break into the world of visual art.Painting didn’t really work out. Neither did sculpting. After years of doldrums, he did what any starving artist would: He burned all his work. Then one night, he had a dream. He was at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, showcasing a sculpture he made out of crayons — not drawn using crayons, but made from thousands of crayons. The masterpiece conjured in his sleep ended up being his vehicle for self-expression, and it still is today. We sit down with Herb to learn about his craft, his life, and how he's using art to bring awareness to gun violence.This episode was produced by Josh Deepan.

Audio and video for this episode will be added after the live broadcast at noon. Headliner: Investigative reporter Meribah Knight and her new podcast series with Bloomberg, "Our Town," about far-right Christians backed by venture capital attempting to take over Gainesboro, Tenn., "where acreage, heritage, and what it means to be an American are all up for grabs."Newsmaker: Rep. John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, joins us for a live interview to talk about his first re-election campaign against a Republican opponent and his concerns with a pioneering project to add toll lanes to I-24.Tastemakers: A kickoff to arts festival season with Shawn Whitsell, co-founder of the Shades of Black Theatre Festival (thru Sept. 27) and Hazel Joyner-Smith, founder of the International Black Film Festival (Sept. 30 — Oct. 4).This episode was produced by Blake Farmer and LaTonya Turner.

Hyperscale data centers are being scrutinized like never before. Even mid-size facilities are receiving fierce pushback, as seen with the data center planned near the Nashville Zoo. But according to analysis by the Pew Research Center, the future of data centers lies in more rural areas, which is why the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom has been checking in with communities in the region that have gotten big data centers — as well as those who are preparing for their arrival. In this episode, we get updates from Gallatin, Memphis, West Virginia and central Kentucky and hear about the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy's call for an 18-month moratorium. This episode was produced by John Boyle and Blake Farmer.Guests:  Lisa Autry, reporter, WKYU Bowling Green Caroline Eggers, environmental reporter, WPLN News Stephen Smith, executive director, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy

It’s our weekly roundabout when we take your calls and give you a chance to join the discussion about the news. Today, it’s all healthcare.We're starting with the story that has startled so many – a medication mixup at Saint Thomas Midtown that injured four patients, with some still facing paralysis. Our panel includes reporters who have been covering the latest. We’ll also touch on HCA layoffs, the fastest growing company in the country, and Dolly’s donations to medical science. Call in with your questions, thoughts, and concerns at 615-760-2000. You can also livestream and chime in on YouTube.This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. Guests: Jennifer Kraus, NewsChannel 5 Investigative Reporter Beth Warren, Tennessean Health Reporter Hannah Herner, Nashville Scene and Williamson Scene Reporter Catherine Sweeney, WPLN Health Reporter  

Headliner: As extreme heat settles in, WPLN environmental reporter Caroline Eggers explains how an NPR/Boston University investigation finds Tennessee and other states have severely undercounted heat-related deaths.Newsmaker: Metro Council Member Sandra Sepulveda makes her case for banning right turns at red lights, plus she shares a look at her Hispanic-majority district and the newly opened Mariposa Park.Tastemaker: A trailblazer in both cardiology and country music, Dr. Cleveland Francis tells stories from his new memoir, “Do My Heart Good: My Odyssey Through Country Music, Medicine, and History.”

How many stories are there in this town where a star rises before everything falls apart? Where the musical dream leads down an exciting path...and then that original path disappears. Houston Kendrick says it takes “restorative fire” to get your art into the world when the big money in the music industry steps out. It also takes some good friends and like-minded collaborators. From Kendrick battling against the flame out to the Alabama Shakes rekindling the embers after a decade of dormancy, today we’re talking about artists regaining momentum – and the friends who help them along the way.This episode was produced by Jewly Hight and Mary Mancini.Guests: Jewly Hight, senior music writer, Nashville Public Radio Houston Kendrick, singer/songwriter/artist Blaire Beamer, visual designer/artist/photographer Prana Supreme Diggs, singer/songwriter, O.N.E. the Duo

The business of healthcare is our biggest business. And some of the fastest-growing startups who've made Nashville their home are focused on finding efficiencies in the healthcare system. Robin Shah is the co-founder of Thyme Care,which specializes in supporting patients while they undergo cancer treatment. We’ll talk driving down healthcare costs, falling in love with this city, and Robin's perspective on work-life balance. Don’t be surprised if he shows up with a kid in tow.This episode was produced by Blake Farmer.

Elm Hill Pike may be an industrial artery now, but it was once a main thoroughfare with a rich history. The road has connections to the very earliest white settlers and one of the most prominent Black businessmen following the Civil War. In this episode, we explore the related stories of Preston Taylor and James Buchanan. But first, we answer a Curious Nashville question asked by listener Chad Smith:"Elm Hill Pike is very hilly. Where is the actual elm hill?"The investigation pushed WPLN's Blake Farmer to hop on a bike and ride the length of the road in search of Elm Hill. The journey takes him to a dead end across the county line — but that doesn't mean the answer is elusive.Submit your Curious Nashville question during the show by calling 615-760-2000.Guests: Edward Robinson, author of "To Pave the Way for His People: A Life of Preston Taylor" Lu Whitworth, Buchanan-Whitworth family historian and spokesperson for Buchanan Log House

Mayor Freddie O’Connell joins us today to take your questions and comments. And he joins us on a somber day.As the show was ending yesterday, we learned that Dolly Parton passed away. So today, Nashville Public Radio's senior music writer Jewly Hight spends the last part of our show with us remembering her imprint on the city. If you have a Dolly story to share, the phone are open at 615-760-2000. Plus, we stream live on YouTube.

Headliner: A THC ban and a new tax on Tennessee hemp took effect this year. The result is a tax that's collecting next to nothing in revenue. We bring you what there's to know from WPLN's Marianna Bacallao.Newsmaker: Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett sees big potential in accelerated bachelor's degrees, but he's concerned about how they're being marketed. He talks modernizing higher ed as well as giving a midstream update on the midterm election process.Tastemakers: 48 Hour Film Project screenings begin next week after a wild weekend of writing, shooting and editing this month. Local coordinator Colin Verano and 2025 winners Nichole Lim and Dustin Hyer discuss why a sleepless weekend of work energizes Nashville's film community.