Nothing compares to ukes

Metro Nashville oversees 178 parks and over 100 miles of greenway.But that only scratches the surface. From recreational arts to dance classes, nature lectures, and team sports, everyone can find their "something" at a Nashville park. In this episode, we speak with representatives from the Nashville Parks Department about how to make the most of the spring weather.And you have a chance to speak with them! Our phone lines are open: Call us at 615-760-2000 with your question, or perhaps even some sage advice for Nashville newcomers.This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. Guests:  Jackie Jones, Metro Parks Community Affairs Superintendent Rana Mitchell, Metro Parks Public Information Officer Joshua Wagner, Metro Parks Visual Arts Supervisor Stevon Neloms, Metro Parks Recreation Division, Community Centers, Cultural Arts John Holmes, Metro Parks Special Services, Golf Heather Gallagher, Metro Parks Naturalist

They’re portable, have four strings, and George Harrison loved them so much he gave them out as presents.Today, we take a look at the popular, adorable, miniature guitar-shaped instrument known as the ukulele and the thriving uke community that exists in Middle Tennessee. Players of all skill levels join us, from beginner to professional, to share how they became hooked on this misunderstood instrument and how Music City has become a ukulele destination.Guests Melanie Ching (aka Ukumele), organizer, Music City Uke Fest Daniel Tashian, artist, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Christopher Waldrop, ukulele player  The Ukedelics – Todd Elgin, Anita Moffatt, Chet Kloss and Tim Davies Further Reading WPLN | Ukulele Bound – Bright Littlefield Strum a Different Beat If you want to start playing, you can borrow a ukulele from the Nashville Public Library’s Library of Things. The Nashville Ukulele Society meets once a month.

Nearly 40% of Tennessee’s land is farmland. But Tennessee is rapidly losing its farmland, mostly to development. Once land is developed it is exceptionally difficult to ever turn it back. In response, some farmers, organizations and the state are currently working together to help preserve farms and farmland in Tennessee. Today we are speaking with two Tennessee farmers about how they’re approaching stewarding their properties for generations to come. We’ll also speak with State Senator Jack Johnson about a bill he sponsored that seeks to help Tennessee farmers protect their farmland. Join us!This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.GUESTS Marianne Blackwell, Cattle farmer in Rutherford County Gary Gardner, 4th generation farmer in Ardmore, Tennessee Liz McLaurin, President and CEO Land Trust for Tennessee Senator Jack Johnson, Tennessee State Senator, sponsor of the Farmland Preservation Bill

Larry Gatlin of The Gatlin Brothers is a name country and gospel fans know well. He is a famed singer and songwriter with Grammy awards, hit songs, and a legacy of classic performances under his belt. His hits include “Broken Lady,” “All the Gold in California,” and “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You).”Gatlin’s career spans seventy years and has earned him a place in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Today we sit down with Larry to hear about his life, his career, and the songs on his heart.

Waiting on the phone or in a long line for customer service is no fun. But what new alternatives exist?Today we hear the Davidson County Clerk’s Office new self-serve kiosks. Plus, Metro Nashville Waste Services has a new curbside composting pilot program that's part of their Zero Waste initiative. Join us to learn about these new and innovative processes created to save you time and serve you better. Plus, last night and in the early morning Middle Tennessee experienced severe weather, including severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding. WPLN's Nina Cardona joins us with updates.Guests Brenda Wynn, Davidson County Clerk Jenn Harrman, Administrative Services Manager, Nashville Department of Waste Services Nina Cardona, morning host, WPLN

Today we talk about our station's history through your eyes - from that first day to where we are now, how long have you been listening and why?WPLN's first broadcast was on December 17, 1962, and lasted for just 12 hours. Back then, programming consisted of classical music, local content, and informational programs from sources all over the world. This year the station celebrates its 63rd birthday, and we've come a long way from our first studio in the Richland Park library. Join us!This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.Guests Nina Cardona, morning host, WPLN Jama Mohamed, listener and community member Tia Sillers, Grammy award winning songwriter, listener Further Reading and Listening You can find some archived WPLN broadcasts from 1995-2007 online at the American Archive of Public Broadcast. In 2012, Nina Cardona wrote about WPLN's 50th anniversary. Listen to This is Nashville celebrate sixty years of WPLN in December 2022.

Were you lucky enough to have someone read you bedtime stories when you were young? Did you still remember that one book you read in middle school that made you feel like someone out there completely understood you? Books give kids a special way to learn, explore and think about how they fit into a world that can feel very big to them.Today, we’re speaking with local authors who write for young readers. We'll hear about their latest books and what it’s really like to create stories and worlds that capture the attention of young readers — but can speak to all of us.Today's episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.GUESTS: Rachel Tawil Kenyon, author You Know How To Love Doan Phuong  Nguyen, author A Two Placed Heart  Julian Vaca, author The Memory Index

“Does it bring joy, and can it impact the community?” That’s the litmus test for Soccer Moses, aka the Handsomizer, aka Stephen Mason.Outside of Nashville, he might be better known as the lead guitarist for one of the top Christian rock bands of the ‘90s, Jars of Clay. But whether he’s playing on stage, cutting hair or dressed in a full Moses costume at a Nashville SC game, he’s always trying to figure out how he can use his exuberance and his platform for good.This episode was produced by Emily Siner.

Some people who have come close to death or who have clinically died and been resuscitated report having had a profound out-of-body experience called a Near Death Experience (NDE). Today we’ll meet the topic of NDEs and a conversation about life and death with open curiosity and compassion.We’ll hear from an NDE researcher and speak with an end-of-life doula about how she serves those who are close to death as well as her perspective on NDEs. And our phone lines are open: 615-760-2000. Join us!Today’s episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.GUEST: Wilka Roig | Transpersonal psychologist, End-of-Life doula, educator with International End of Life Doula Association (INDELA)

Pedestrian deaths skyrocketed in Nashville during the pandemic.Although recent trends appear promising, the scar left behind still lingers. Advocates for pedestrian safety responded to the ongoing issue by crafting, painting and placing wooden doves around the city, marking where pedestrians were hit. They, along with Diana Alarcon, the director of the Nashville Department of Transformation, join This Is Nashville to update Nashvillians on the issues around pedestrian safety. Additionally, they will discuss improvements underway in Davidson County, and how pedestrians who survived hit-and-runs still face hurdles years later.This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. Guests:Joan Kite, hit-and-run survivor, advocateAnonymous advocateDiana Alarcon, Nashville Department of Transportation directorFurther reading: Nashville set another pedestrian fatality record in 2022Police are searching for hit-and-run drivers after a deadly month for Nashville pedestriansYou asked, we answered: Your guide to Nashville's 2024 transit referendum