After the Gavel, Part 2: Post-Session Analysis

Yesterday, reporters assigned to cover the Tennessee State Capitol joined us for a legislative wrap-up. Today, we go a bit deeper with a post-session analysis.How will the bills passed on issues like education, immigration and foster care impact the lives of the people who live and work in Tennessee? Plus, we’re opening up the phone lines because it’s your turn to talk. What questions or comments do you have about the legislation passed this year? Call 615-760-2000 to join the conversation.This episode was produced and hosted by Mary Mancini.Guests Bruce Barry, Opinion Columnist, Tennessee Lookout Dawn Schluckebier, Advocacy and Government Relations Director; Think Tennessee Cameron Smith, Opinion Columnist and Member of the Editorial Board, Tennessean Further reading and listening You can access the Think Tennessee State of our State dashboard on its website. Think Tennessee also publishes a State of our Counties dashboard. Listen to After the Gavel, Part 1: Legislative Wrap Up on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Tennessee legislature recently wrapped up the first half of the 114th General Assembly, and there is a lot to digest.Today, we bring you the first of a two-part review. Reporters assigned to cover the work of our elected state representatives join us to recap the bills passed, the bills still waiting to be signed by the governor, and the constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot in 2026.Tomorrow, we go a bit deeper into the issues with a post-session analysis — that you can join by calling 615-760-2000 at noon Thursday.Guests Sarah Grace Taylor, State Government Reporter, Nashville Banner Marianna Bacallao, Power and Equity Reporter, WPLN Nina Cardona, Morning/NashVillager Podcast Host, WPLN Catherine Sweeney, Health Reporter, WPLN

Tennessee has a precious natural resource: wetlands. We even have wetlands right here in the heart of Nashville. And they are at risk.During the 2025 legislative session, Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill that will cut some of the protections for wetlands across the state. Developers now have the option to build over wetlands without informing the state and will no longer be financially incentivized to develop around them.Today, we hear why wetlands are a valuable part of a healthy ecosystem. We also break down the legislation and check in with local groups working to protect this natural resource.This episode was produced by Caroline Eggers, WPLN’s environmental reporter, and Katherine Ceicys.GUESTS Dr. Justin Murdock, Ecologist and Professor of Biology, Tennessee Tech University Grace Stranch, CEO, Harpeth Conservancy LaTricea Adams, President of Young, Gifted and Green FURTHER READING & LISTENINGWPLN | Wetlands have some protections in Tennessee. The state legislature might remove them.

For 50 years, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Amy Grant has captivated audiences. And luckily for us, she calls Nashville home. On today’s show, we speak with Amy about not just her career but her experiences raising a family while on the road, her perceptions of Nashville, and what she has in store next. We also speak with her about her approach to writing and composing a song and the importance of collaboration when making music.This episode was produced by Khalil Ekulona. GUESTS:Amy Grant, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter

Summer is on the way! Today, we're talking how to get out to enjoy local ponds, rivers and lakes to cool down and have some fun!Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, or fishing! There are so many ways to enjoy being on the water. Today we're talking with local water enthusiasts about their favorite ways to jump in — and what you need to know to get out there  to join them – and stay safe. Join us!2025 update: Want to gain skills and confidence on the water? Check out the 2025 National Safe Boating Week and consider signing up for Kayak 101 classes which will be held across several TN state parks on May 17th for $15 (usually $50-100).Today's show was produced by Katherine Ceicys.Today's Guests: Candace Daniels, Tennessee State Parks Ranger Joel Morales, Stand up paddle boarder Stephanie Sullivan, Operations Manager, Tennessee Scenic River Association (TSRA) Gabbie, Nashville 8th grader and TSRA River Kids participant Geoff Luckett, American Canoe Association (ACA) Kayak and Kayak Fishing Instructor Blake Osborn, Coordinator, MSTU Outdoor Pursuits

Students here in Middle Tennessee are gearing up for finals, special dances, and for some, graduation. Today we are checking in with local students to hear about their past school years. We’ll find out what they’ve learned in and out of the classroom and how they are navigating friendships, responsibilities and new freedoms. We’ll also hear from some students who were on the show in the fall. Join us!Today's episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys. GUESTS Sharp, 5th grader Jocelyn, 7th grader Annika, 9th grader Sofia, 9th grader William, 11th grader FURTHER LISTENING This Is Nashville | Civically engaged young people

Welcome back to our second season of In My Place. This special series educates listeners on what communities like Nashville can do to prevent and end homelessness — while caring for our neighbors who are still unhoused.In our first two episodes of this season, we talked about what the first point of contact is like between someone who’s experiencing homelessness and someone who could potentially offer help — and then how they build trust after that point.In this episode, we talk about what happens next on the road home: the processes and paperwork it takes for people to transition out of homelessness to housing.Over the course of nine monthly episodes, we’re learning about what it feels like to access services and weave through our local homelessness and healthcare systems. We’re discussing what services work, what resources are missing, and what ideas our guests have for improvement.This series was created thanks in part to support from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and was produced by Judith Tackett.Guests: Brian Haile, CEO of Neighborhood Health Jesse Call, resident care manager at The Village at Glencliff India Pungarcher, Associate Director of Advocacy, Open Table Nashville

After graduating from UC Santa Barbara, Steve Swenson set out to make a name for himself in the radio industry. Mission accomplished. His 45-year career has seen him in key positions in Washington DC, Los Angeles, New York and finally Nashville. Well, he's soon retiring and This Is Nashville would be remiss if we did not sit down with our boss for last drop of wisdom. Listen in to this episode as he reflects on a fantastic career.This episode was produced by Khalil Ekulona.

We're saying goodbye to Khalil today! After more than 550 episodes and thousands of guests, Khalil Ekulona is taking his last turn behind the This Is Nashville mic. We have gratitude — but no words — so we're inviting the public to call in with some. Join the conversation at noon or listen later to hear what he has meant to you and Middle Tennessee!Today's episode was produced by Mary Mancini, Katherine Ceicys and Josh Deepan.GUESTS Khalil Ekulona Celia Gregory Keri Pagetta

No matter what you think about aging, one thing is for sure: EVERYbody’s doing it!It’s also true that in the U.S., people are living longer, and overall, healthier, more active and empowered than ever in our country’s history.It’s not uncommon to have three, four, or even five generations in the same family or workplace.According to the last U.S. Census, adults in Tennessee over 60 make up 23% of the population. That’s about one in 5 people — and growing.This rapid demographic shift is changing conversations around aging. Starting with this first episode, we join that discussion with a new series titled “Next Age.” Once a month, we’ll bring you stories and information about growing older in the 21st century — and how Middle Tennesseans are reframing aging.Our show is made possible by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee and our series on aging is made possible by a grant from The West End Home Foundation — enriching the lives of older adults though grantmaking, advocacy and community collaboration.GUESTS: Patricia D’Antonio, Executive Director, Center to Reframe Aging Rhonda Cherry, member, Fifty Forward Ralph Bristol, member, Fifty Forward Jon Wellington, co-founder, GenX Takeover Sallie Hussey, Chief Executive Officer, Fifty Forward Dr. James Powers, geriatrician/researcher/professor, VUMC Division of Geriatric Medicine