City Cast Nashville
by City Cast
Join Rachel Iacovone and the City Cast Nashville team every weekday morning as we bring you the day's can't-miss conversation about life in Music City. With the help of local journalists, artists, activists, experts, and everyday residents, we explore this promising, frustrating, still-sorta-small town, where old bumps up against new, natives adapt to transplants, and everybody struggles to navigate the ‘Binge Drinking Tourism Industrial Complex’ that threatens to consume us all. Alongside our daily newsletter, we cover the news and culture of our endlessly growing city from every perspective we can find — including yours. It’s like a backyard barbecue and the whole town’s invited, so whether you’ve lived here for a blink or a lifetime, we hope you’ll pull up a lawn chair and sit a while. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at nashville.citycast.fm.
Episodes
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From Tattoos to Murals, Meet the Artist Making Nashville Beautiful
What should you keep in mind when getting a tattoo in Nashville, whether it’s your first or 20th? North Nashville artist and muralist Elisheba Mrozik says her first rule is never put a significant other’s name on your body. She joins host Rachel Iacovone to talk about her experience as a…
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Is Nashville Broke? Plus, NES Shutoffs and the End of a Restaurant Era
What kind of governor will Marsha Blackburn be? Host Rachel Iacovone is joined by executive producer Whitney Pastorek and creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson to discuss the leading contenders to fill Blackburn’s U.S. Senate seat, and what her election results might signal about how she’ll...
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Winter Storm Season Is Coming. Is Nashville Ready?
Is our city prepared to face its next ice storm? Host Rachel Iacovone is joined by Metro Councilmember At-Large Olivia Hill, our council’s new president pro tempore — who spent four decades in utilities before getting into politics — to get her insight. Plus, November is Transgender Awareness...
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: A ‘Rage Room’ That’s Saving a City — Presented By City Cast Nashville
It’s fall in Nashville, but just this week, cities across the country experienced record-high heat. In Somerville, MA, the city government is realizing that rising temperatures deserve their attention and intervention year round — and they’re running a fun, generous program to help. David is…
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Does Metro Council Really Have To Downsize? Plus, Marsha Blackburn's DOGE Plan
Election Day may be over, but Tennessee has plenty to talk about. Host Rachel Iacovone is joined by executive producer Whitney Pastorek and District 6 Metro Councilmember Clay Capp to unpack Nashville’s election results and what they could mean for our city. Clay breaks down this week’s Tennessee...
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Is This AI Booking App Ripping Off Nashville Musicians?
Nashville’s honky-tonks are famous for live music, but are the musicians who keep Broadway rockin’ getting a fair deal? A new Nashville startup called Jam Juice, which recently took home the 2026 NEXT Award for top startup in Music, Sports, Gaming & Entertainment, is facing backlash after local...
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2026 Midterm Election Results for Nashville and Beyond
With over 90% of precincts reporting at the time of taping, host Rachel Iacovone, creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek break down the results of the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm election in Nashville and across Tennessee. Who were the big winners? Does the...
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Go Vote, Nashville! Plus, TN Supreme Court Rules To Shrink Metro Council and Brent Taylor's Sexting Scandal
It’s Election Day, Nashville! Host Rachel Iacovone is joined by executive producer Whitney Pastorek and the Tennessee Lookout’s Adam Friedman to unpack a surprisingly quiet election cycle that’s still managed to produce plenty of political drama, like State Sen. Brent Taylor’s sexting scandal....
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Voting in Nashville? What To Do if Something Goes Wrong at the Polls
Election Day is tomorrow, Nov. 3, and poll observers will be stationed at all 178 Nashville polling precincts. Host Rachel Iacovone is joined by Selah Torralba, advocacy manager for the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition, to explain how poll observers can help, what to do if you run...
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: Who Controls Austin’s Autonomous Vehicles? — Presented By City Cast Nashville
When you think of Waymo, you might not yet think of Nashville. But you should definitely be thinking of Austin, Texas. State law governing autonomous vehicles (AVs) supersedes city authority and prevents local governments from regulating AVs, creating areas that have become increasingly…
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Your Guide to November 2026 in Nashville
Crank up the Mariah Carey — it’s the month when Nashville blows straight past Thanksgiving and careens towards Christmas. Of course, host Rachel Iacovone, audience development manager Emma White, and creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson are still sharing their Turkey Day food suggestions…
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Channelling Nashville’s Best Restaurants at Home
Harley Whitehouse, a.k.a. @harlzcookz, isn’t a trained chef — but his love of Nashville restaurants inspired him to learn how to cook their dishes at home. Now, he shares his dupe recipes on social media with the goal of helping other people get inspired in the kitchen, too. He joins host Rachel...
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The Ryman Auditorium’s Haunted History
Did y’all know the Mother Church is haunted? We’re revisiting our conversation with tour guide Ken Wood, who takes creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson inside the Ryman Haunted History Tour to share all the unexplained phenomena lurking in those famous pews. And this year, you can go get…
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Pedal Tavern Rear-Ended, Nashville Bromance Billboard, and Halloween Events
Early voting ends this Thursday at 7 p.m., so get out and vote! Host Rachel Iacovone joins creative producers Marie Cecile Anderson and Margaret Kingsberry to talk about voter turnout, then ask whether Nashville is safe for tourists after a distracted driver rear-ended a pedal tavern on…
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The Battle To Ban Right Turns on Red in Nashville
Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda spent the past several months trying to push legislation to ban right turns on red through Metro Council — only to withdraw her bill at last week’s meeting after a pledge from the Nashville Department of Transportation that they would start implementing the ban on...
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: Is Chicago More Prepared for Climate Change Than Every Other City? — Presented By City Cast Nashville
How prepared is Nashville to deal with the effects of climate change? In a recent report, Chicago was ranked as the most climate resilient city in the world — the only U.S. city to make it into the top 10. What’s Chicago doing right? City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran is joining David this…
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Why Are Multimillionaires Flocking to Nashville? Plus, Michelin Guide Awards and More Restaurant Closures
The ultra-rich are moving to Middle Tennessee, but what does that mean for the rest of us? Host Rachel Iacovone joins executive producer Whitney Pastorek and creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson to discuss why multimillionaires are flocking to Franklin, the new report warning Nashville that…
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Nashville’s War on Pumpkin Spice Continues
It’s time for our annual tradition of waging war on pumpkin spice! City Cast Nashville contributor and Nashville Scene food and travel correspondent Margaret Littman joins host Rachel Iacovone to, once again, divulge her alternative fall favorites. This year, that includes seasonal specials —…
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How Far Can $50 Get You in Nashville?
Woof, things are expensive these days, so we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes: How far can $50 get you in Nashville? Creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson, Daniel Sumstine, producer of sponsored content Anthony Luciani, and executive producer Whitney Pastorek each planned the perfect...
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Have Locals Lost 12 South? Plus, Racetrack Petition Gets Certified and Michelin Guide Predictions
The petition to drop auto racing as a required use at the Nashville Fairgrounds is officially certified, but the fight is far from over. Host Rachel Iacovone joins executive producer Whitney Pastorek and creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson to discuss whether all the drama is worth it. Plus…
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How Nashville's Sex Workers Helped Save the City
Did you know sex work was once legal in Nashville? Last month, local historian Betsy Phillips introduced us to Rebecca Higgins, Nashville’s “Queen of the Demimonde,” in her cover story for the Nashville Scene. Today, Betsy joins creative producer (and lover of the history of the world’s oldest...
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Salt Lakers are Adopting Storm Drains — Presented By City Cast Nashville
How much ownership or responsibility do you feel as a resident of Nashville? In Salt Lake City, people are being asked to “adopt a storm drain” to help keep city streets free of floods and trash — and to possibly slow the drying and pollution of the Great Salt Lake. City Cast Salt Lake host Ali...
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Early Voting is Open! Plus, BNA Noise Lawsuit and the Future of Yazoo Brewing
Early voting is underway in Nashville! Host Rachel Iacovone is joined by creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson and local on-air personality and Tennessee Trends founder Tala Shatara to dig into Nashvillians’ concerns about heading to the polls. Then they debate whether downtown tourism tax...
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The Best Fall Festivals and Halloween Fun for Kids in Nashville
Spooky season has reached its peak, but where should kiddos get their costumes? What’s the best neighborhood for trick or treating? Is Boo at the Zoo actually worth it? Creative producer Margaret Kingsbury and contributor Amelia Edelman are back with their expert parenting advice to make the most...
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Why You Should Go to the Tennessee Pow Wow
This Friday through Sunday, the 45th annual Tennessee Indian Education Pow Wow takes place at Long Hunter State Park. Host Rachel Iacovone talks with Andrea Walsh, vice president of the Native American Association of Tennessee, about what visitors can expect this year, from traditional food and...
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Your Guide to the November 2026 General Election in Nashville
Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election starts tomorrow. Host Rachel Iacovone, executive producer Whitney Pastorek, and creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson break down the key races, new district boundaries, and the three constitutional amendments on the ballot. Davidson County voters can...
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like — Presented By City Cast Nashville
Another Nashville school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a strict no-phone school day can work, and they’ve got the (mostly) positive feedback to show for it. City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson joins David to talk…
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We Won Best of Nashville! Plus, Council Delays No Right on Red Again
City Cast Nashville is the best podcast in Nashville for the second year in a row, according to the Nashville Scene’s readers’ poll. Host Rachel Iacovone joins executive producer Whitney Pastorek and creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson to celebrate, and dish on Metro Council’s decision to…
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Your Guide To Stargazing in Nashville
Can you see stars in Nashville? Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory resident astronomer Dr. Billy Teets and director Jessica Ingram join creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson to share where to stargaze around town. They also discuss how the observatory’s recent renovation is creating a more welcoming...
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Nashville Soccer Star on Dyslexia and Our Record-Breaking Season
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and local nonprofit Learning Matters is hard at work supporting and empowering K-12 students impacted by a diverse learning style. Host Rachel Iacovone is joined by Nashville SC founding player Taylor Washington, a Learning Matters ambassador, to talk about…
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Who Saved the Symphony? Plus, Protests at Nashville's New Music Venue
Frank Strada resigned as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Correction following the state’s failed attempt to execute Christa Pike this week. Hosts Rachel Iacovone, executive producer Whitney Pastorek, and creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson discuss what comes next for capital...
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This Palestinian Cafe Lost Its Chefs to ICE Last Month. What Now?
The ICE detainment and likely deportation of two Nashville chefs has rocked the Middle Eastern community surrounding Deir, the Palestinian coffeehouse and restaurant where they worked. Host Rachel Iacovone is joined by Deir’s owner, Yousef Gumiza, to talk about the newfound immigration fears he…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Nashville
When Nashville looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York City did in order to integrate flood mitigation into public housing. Inspired by places like Rotterdam, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) collaborated…
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Another Tennessee Execution Fails. Plus, Can We Be Music City Without a Symphony?
Tennessee has paused executions for the rest of the year after another failed attempt to carry out a death sentence. Host Rachael Iacovone is joined by executive producer Whitney Pastorek and creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson to discuss what happened and the growing questions around the...
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City Cast Nashville Presents: The Roast of Music City
On September 15, creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson hosted the first-ever City Cast Nashville Presents: The Roast of Music City. We welcomed a sold-out crowd to The Lab at Zanies for one night only with some of Nashville’s funniest local comedians.The event also raised more than $600 for…
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Your Guide to October 2026 in Nashville
Goodbye fool's fall — you won't be missed! As we head into true spooky season, we have for you the ultimate guide of what to eat, hear, and do this October in Nashville. Host Rachel Iacovone is joined by creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson and audience development manager Emma White to shout...
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Nashville’s Best Karaoke Bars Are Saving Democracy, One Song at a Time
Nashville writer and Madison Branch children’s librarian Lisa Bubert sees karaoke as more than a chance to sing. In an essay for Noema, she makes the case that karaoke bars can help bridge our social divides. She joins creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson to share her favorite local spots…
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He Was Known as a Metro ‘Fixer.’ Now He’s Under Federal Investigation
Federal law enforcement is investigating former Metro Water assistant director John Honeysucker, alongside two prominent Nashville businessmen: Roy Dale and Mack McClung. Why? Nashville Banner Metro reporter Stephen Elliott, who broke the story, joins host Rachel Iacovone to explain what we know…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Nashville
What’s a seemingly small project in Nashville that’s made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has just been fitted with a seamless electrical turbine, so that an existing utility can now have a dual purpose. David is joined by Nic Westendorf, Tualatin’s…
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Dolly Family Drama, a $1 Million Debate, and Nashville Symphony Trouble
Happy Dolly Day! As Nashville celebrates Dolly with events across the city, host Rachel Iacovone is joined by creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson and WPLN power and equity reporter Marianna Bacallao to discuss a governor’s race debate that may or may not happen. Independent candidate David...
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Backstage With the Nashville Public Library’s 80-Year-Old Puppet Program
We’re taking you behind the scenes — or should we say strings? — of the Nashville Public Library's beloved puppet troupe. Host Rachel Iacovone is joined by program manager Bret Grigsby Wilson to talk about the last 80 years of Wishing Chair Productions and what he hopes the next eight decades…
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Finding Your Voice in Nashville’s Spoken Word Scene
Nashville’s spoken word scene offers a place to share your work, hear powerful stories, and find community. Host Rachel Iacovone talks with local poets and event hosts Frank “Frizzy” Sykes and Nina Adel about what spoken word is, what to expect at an open mic, and how new performers can get...
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What's Next in the Battle Over the Fairgrounds Speedway? Plus, Melting Cleats and Small Town Pride
Over the weekend, host Rachel Iacovone attended the Affirming Sumner Pride Festival at Fruity Farm in Bethpage, Tennessee. She shares her experience with creative producer and newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury. They also discuss the nearly 75,000 signatures that could put the future of…
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How To Build a New Park in Nashville
Mill Ridge Park is more than a massive playground and a giant teal slide. Host Rachel Iacovone talks with Friends of Mill Ridge Park Executive Director Darrell Hawks, Board Chair Bishoy Makael, and Metro Parks Assistant Director Tim Netsch about how the park was created, the partnerships that…
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks — Presented By City Cast Nashville
Would Nashville be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in crime and depression recorded near newly transformed, “greened” neighborhood lots. But how did they do it? David talks with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and...
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Political Prostitution Scandal, Gallatin Corridor Makeover, and Dolly Day
Nashville’s 5th Congressional District race gets tangled up in a massage parlor bust. Host Rachel Iacovone joins executive producer Whitney Pastorek and creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson to break down the reported connections to candidates Chaz Molder and Charlie Hatcher, and what they…
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What Pride Looks Like in Rural Tennessee
Nashville-born and nationally beloved artist morgxn joins host Rachel Iacovone to talk about Fruity Farm, the queer-owned farm he runs with his husband, Gabriel, in Sumner County. This Saturday, September 19, Fruity Farm will host the second annual Affirming Sumner Pride Festival. Morgxn shares…
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Who’s Got the Best Pizza in Nashville?
It’s Nashville Scene’s Pizza Week, so we’re revisiting a conversation that sparked quite a bit of controversy: the great pizza debate. Who has the best pizza in town? Creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson, former producer Daniel Sumstine, and newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury share their…
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Nashville Pizza Week Picks, Scammers Banned From Downtown, and the City's Fight With the Feds
Hallelujah, it's Pizza Week in Nashville! Host Rachel Iacovone is joined by creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson and newsletter editor Margaret Kingsbury to share their pick of the pies, plus the scammers banned from downtown, Dolly Parton International Airport (official name pending) and some...
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What Toll Lanes Could Mean for Nashville
Tennessee’s controversial Choice Lanes project could add toll lanes along 26 miles of I-24, from downtown Nashville to Murfreesboro. Host Rachel Iacovone talks with Nashville Business Journal senior reporter Adam Sichko about the $9.2 billion project, the international group selected to build it,...
About this show
Join Rachel Iacovone and the City Cast Nashville team every weekday morning as we bring you the day's can't-miss conversation about life in Music City. With the help of local journalists, artists, activists, experts, and everyday residents, we explore this promising, frustrating, still-sorta-small town, where old bumps up against new, natives adapt to transplants, and everybody struggles to navigate the ‘Binge Drinking Tourism Industrial Complex’ that threatens to consume us all. Alongside our daily newsletter, we cover the news and culture of our endlessly growing city from every perspective we can find — including yours. It’s like a backyard barbecue and the whole town’s invited, so whether you’ve lived here for a blink or a lifetime, we hope you’ll pull up a lawn chair and sit a while. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at nashville.citycast.fm.
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