City Cast Nashville

The Nashville International Airport experienced an “unprecedented surge” on Monday evening that left some travelers in gridlock for hours. Radley Balko, the investigative journalist behind The Watch and the author of Rise of the Warrior Cop, was one of those people. He joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to give his first-hand account of the BNA nightmare, as well as his views on President Trump’s decision to send the National Guard to Memphis — could they come here next? Plus, lots of GOOD NEWS and weekend activities to help y’all stay sane. Early voting is now open in the race for the TN-07 Congressional seat!  Here are the early voting hours and locations. Here is our guide to the leading candidates. Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Executive producer Whitney Pastorek and Hey Nashville newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury sit down with Michelle Spiva, author of the book “Music City Musings: Old Nashville Knowledge for Newcomers,” to discuss her list of essential rules for life in our town. Spoiler alert: Leave the boots at home … and the celebrities alone! Read Margaret’s article on the Essential Rules here. Learn what to do in severe weather here. Did we miss an Essential Rule? Let us know — you might be featured on a future episode! ** This episode originally aired on Sept. 24, 2024 Early voting is now open in the race for the TN-07 Congressional seat!  Here are the early voting hours and locations. Here is our guide to the leading candidates. Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Early voting starts today in the special election primary to replace former U.S. Rep. Mark Green, who walked away from his TN-07 Congressional district seat earlier this year. We've got your rundown of the top candidates, as well as interviews with those who responded to our requests. Host Marie Cecile Anderson, executive producer Whitney Pastorek, and producer Daniel Sumstine break down who they are, what they stand for, and what’s at stake. If you’re in Nashville, here are the early voting hours and locations. Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

After a summer of serious concerns in the downtown core, we brought in some stakeholders to talk it through. District 19 Councilmember Jacob Kupin and Vision Zero Advisory Committee member Charlie Weingartner join host Marie Cecile Anderson to face off on dangerous crosswalks, disappearing benches, bike lanes, and more. Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

The successful large-scale rezoning of the Nations raised controversy last month, which came as no surprise to District 16 Councilmember Ginny Welsch, who has tried unsuccessfully to apply similar upzonings in the neighborhoods she represents. CM Welsch joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about why she’s not giving up on the density conversation, as well as why she’s pursuing her recent request to audit Metro’s Office of Homeless Services due to financial irregularities. Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

The Nashville Innovation Alliance got a boost from the mayor recently, but, uh, what is it? And why does it involve genetic information? City Cast contributor Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to try and figure that out. Plus, the Boring Co. has a strange sense of the word “confidential,” the law threatening elected officials with jail time for supporting “sanctuary policies” is unconstitutional, and an Eric Clapton fan had a big night out. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 12th episode: Huel - Save 15% with code NASHVILLE Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

From tacos to ceviche, we’re running down the list of best Latino food in Nashville. Anas Saba, creator of Nashville Hidden Gems, joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and producer/San Diego Mexican food snob Daniel Sumstine to give us his current faves. Get your Nashville Restaurant Passport here. Check out our Outlook Map of all the spots mentioned in this episode! Learn more about the sponsors of this September 11th episode: Huel - Save 15% with code NASHVILLE Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Nashville is a hub for higher education — the Athens of the South! With students back on campus at our dozen-plus colleges and universities, Vanderbilt Hustler Life Editor and senior Daniela Aguilar joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to give us her tips and tricks for navigating Music City as a new student. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 10th episode: Huel - Save 15% with code NASHVILLE Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Mandy Shucher is a bassist who’s been playing the bars on Lower Broadway for nearly 20 years. She joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to tell us what downtown Nashville looks like from the stage, from the worst tippers to the weirdest moments, and the biggest changes she’s seen over her two decades in the business.  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 9th episode: Huel - Save 15% with code NASHVILLE Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Cuts to USDA programs and SNAP benefits in President Trump’s budget bill mean Second Harvest of Middle TN is working overtime to support our food insecure neighbors — and keep local farmers in business. CEO Nancy Keil and senior manager of government relations Tammy Deiter join host Marie Cecile Anderson to talk about the impact of those cuts on our community, and why all hope isn’t lost. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 8th episode: Musicians Corner Huel Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

The Office of Homeless Services may now be facing a formal audit due to millions of dollars in financial irregularities within the department. Independent journalist Mike Lacy — who recently broke the news of a fire at Strobel House, Nashville’s permanent supportive housing facility, and the resignation of the director of Depaul USA, its management company — joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to explain how we got here. Plus, ICE is keeping kids out of school, the zoo has tiny hyenas, and Fridays by the River is BACK, baby, not a moment too soon. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 5th episode: Musicians Corner Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

It’s time for another road trip! City Cast Nashville travel and food contributor Margaret Littman joins executive producer Whitney Pastorek to tell us what makes Highlands, NC a great destination for fall. With cool alpine vibes (and limited cell service), this Blue Ridge Mountain town is packed with places to stay, eat, shop, hike, and get away from it all. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 4th episode: Musicians Corner Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

With rents climbing and affordable housing in short supply, renting in Nashville can feel overwhelming. From signing a lease to facing an eviction notice, Elizabeth Leiserson from the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands shares with us practical advice for anyone trying to keep a roof over their head in Music City. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 3rd episode: Musicians Corner Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter. Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

September always feels like a rebirth after the humid slog of summer, a month full of fairs, football, and fun stuff to do. Host Marie Cecile Anderson, producer Daniel Sumstine, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek have your guide to the best things to eat, see, and hear this month in Nashville.If you’re looking for even MORE options, we’ve featured some great activities and important news stories across the city in recent episodes: Did you know your library card can get you a bunch of free stuff? Can we tempt you with a tour of the best cheap happy hours and early bird specials in town? We also learned about a new solution for our affordable housing crisis, why the potential privatization of TVA could make your electricity bill go up, and dug into how the city is making downtown inhospitable for our neighbors experiencing homelessness.Learn more about the sponsors of this September 2nd episode: Musicians Corner Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

A business owner alleging that District 1 Councilmember Joy Smith Kimbrough asked him for $500,000 in exchange for her support of a project has filed a formal ethics complaint against Kimbrough. City Cast Nashville contributor Nicole Williams joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and executive producer Whitney Pastorek to explain how that works. Plus: The city removed handmade downtown benches; the race for TN-07 has some front-runners; new reporting on the Tesla tunnels puts Mayor O’Connell in the hot seat; and should buses be free? Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 29th episode: Overlook Maps Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

For 15 years, Musician’s Corner has brought an all-star lineup of artists to Centennial Park for a series of free concerts twice a year. As their fall series kicks off tomorrow, Aug. 29th, host Marie Cecile Anderson is talking to executive producer Justin Branam about this year’s lineup, how the festival endures, and the massive rock star who once got tossed from backstage. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO VOTE for City Cast Nashville as Best Podcast in the Nashville Scene’s 2025 Best of Nashville awards! You must vote in 20 categories for your vote to count. Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 28th episode: Overlook Maps Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

As we wrap up National Dog Month, we’re spotlighting the work of the Nashville Humane Association, whose roots helping animals and humans go all the way back to 1887. NHA community engagement director Taylor Spreitler joins host Marie Cecile Anderson — who recently adopted her pup, Lottie, from NHA — to talk about their rescue process, why they’re pushing back against breed restrictions, and how our current economic uncertainty is impacting their work. Vote for City Cast Nashville as Best Podcast in the Nashville Scene’s 2025 Best of Nashville awards! You must vote in 20 categories for your vote to count. Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 27th episode: Overlook Maps Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

There’s speculation that President Trump will seize control of — or privatize — the Tennessee Valley Authority, the country’s largest public utility, which provides energy for everyone in Nashville. How would that work? What impact would it have on jobs? And what does country singer John Rich have to do with it? Ironworkers Local 492 vice president and political director Justin Humbles joins executive producer Whitney Pastorek to explain. Vote for City Cast Nashville as Best Podcast in the Nashville Scene’s 2025 Best of Nashville awards! You must vote in 20 categories for your vote to count. Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 26th episode: Overlook Maps Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter. Follow us @citycastnashvilleYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

We’re going downtown for a look at how the newly-expanded Central Business Improvement District is impacting the neighborhood, for better or worse. Nashville Scene columnist Lena Mazel joins host Marie Cecile Anderson to explain how private security and “hostile architecture” are impacting our unhoused community, cyclists, and everyone else who ventures through. Vote for City Cast Nashville as Best Podcast in the Nashville Scene’s 2025 Best of Nashville awards! You must vote in 20 categories for your vote to count. Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 25th episode: Overlook Maps Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

The return of NASCAR to the Fairgrounds may be on the horizon, and benches are disappearing downtown — with critics accusing the city of creating hostile architecture instead. Host Marie Cecile Anderson, producer Daniel Sumstine, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek are once again wondering who Nashville is actually for. Plus: Metro Council turns nasty, who got paid half a million taxpayer dollars without a contract, and has Cracker Barrel gone woke? Vote for City Cast Nashville as Best Podcast in the Nashville Scene’s 2025 Best of Nashville awards! You must vote in 20 categories for your vote to count. We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card, and City Cast City swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 22nd episode: Musicians Corner Overlook Maps Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.