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Episode ‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like — Presented By City Cast Nashville

‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like — Presented By City Cast Nashville

21 minOct 11, 2026

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 about how St. Paul Central High School is succeeding at enforcing a phone-free school environment, the surprising ways that some students approach it, and how these kinds of bans can even affect adults like Sean. Listeners, it’s that time again! Send us the dilemmas you’re facing living in a city, and we might debate them on our upcoming call-in show. Email us or submit using this Google Form . Mentioned on the show: Kids using public radio comment sections as ad hoc communication Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options .

We Won Best of Nashville! Plus, Council Delays No Right on Red Again

26 minOct 9, 2026

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 delay the No Right on Red vote again , Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall’s retirement announcement after 24 years, and the dismissal of DC Blox’s lawsuit challenging Metro’s data center moratorium. Plus, we say “hell yeah” to some of our favorite local Best of Nashville winners. 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 . Learn more about the sponsors of this October 9th episode: Hoffmann Brothers Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast 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 .

Your Guide To Stargazing in Nashville

22 minOct 8, 2026

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 space for astronomy programming and concerts under the stars, and preview its upcoming telescope night on Oct. 15. 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 . Learn more about the sponsors of this October 8th episode: Hoffmann Brothers Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast 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 Soccer Star on Dyslexia and Our Record-Breaking Season

25 minOct 7, 2026

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 his own journey with dyslexia, on and off the field — and of course, he’s sharing his analysis of NSC’s current record-breaking season, too. 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 . Learn more about the sponsors of this October 7th episode: Hoffmann Brothers Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast 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 .

Who Saved the Symphony? Plus, Protests at Nashville's New Music Venue

29 minOct 6, 2026

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 punishment in Tennessee. Plus, Nashville is setting aside $30 million a year to pursue tourism “mega events.” What counts as a mega event, and why is the city spending that money? We talk with Nashville Symphony violinist Dawn Marlowe Gingrich about what’s next for the orchestra and Oracle’s $10 million support for its season . And: Protesters project messages outside the grand opening of Live Nation’s The Truth. 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 . Learn more about the sponsors of this October 6th episode: Hoffmann Brothers Country Music HOF Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast 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 .

This Palestinian Cafe Lost Its Chefs to ICE Last Month. What Now?

22 minOct 5, 2026

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 and his staff are feeling, what it was like growing up in Nashville and in Palestine, and the Kurdish eatery that stepped up to take over Deir’s kitchen. 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 . Learn more about the sponsors of this October 5th episode: Hoffmann Brothers Country Music HOF Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast 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 .

‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Nashville

20 minOct 4, 2026

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 with other groups to give Queens a state-of-the-art, climate-resilient amenity — in this case, a basketball court. David talks with Katy Burgio from NYCHA and Runit Chhaya of Grain Collective, one of the involved design firms, about the larger infrastructure the court is a part of and how it’s setting up NYC for climate resilience. Mentioned on the show: Water Square and its creative facilitators: https://www.dezeen.com/2025/11/25/grain-collective-basketball-courts-flood-prevention/   Rotterdam’s own “water square”: https://landezine.com/water-square-benthemplein-by-de-urbanisten/   Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options .

Another Tennessee Execution Fails. Plus, Can We Be Music City Without a Symphony?

29 minOct 2, 2026

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 state’s execution process. Then, the Nashville Symphony is in crisis after cancelling its 2026–27 season, furloughing musicians , and losing its CEO just two months into the job. Plus, Nashville Severe Weather is expanding its coverage across Middle Tennessee, Loveless Cafe celebrates 75 years , and we remember beloved Nashville artist Phil Ponder . 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 . Learn more about the sponsors of this October 2nd episode: Ensworth School Country Music HOF Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast 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 .

City Cast Nashville Presents: The Roast of Music City

34 minOct 1, 2026

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 Open Table Nashville . This episode condenses highlights from the 80-minute show into a 30-minute podcast. In order of appearance, the comedians are CJ Walton, Jessica Carter, James Holiday, Eddie Ortiz, podcast host Rachel Iacovone, Miriam Kirk, Allison Summers, Renard Hirsch, and musician Freddy Angelico. A quick heads-up: There’s some language younger listeners may not be ready for, so this one’s for adults. Enjoy the episode, and keep an eye out for the next Roast of Music City! 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this October 1st episode: Ensworth School Alabama Beaches Country Music HOF Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast 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 .

Your Guide to October 2026 in Nashville

24 minSep 30, 2026

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 out their favorite happenings around town, from the Nashville Horror Film Festival to baby’s first Cheekwood Harvest . Plus, in a month with so many shows, it may be time to play chicken with concert ticketing platforms after that redditor got $12 tickets to Kacey Musgraves ! Learn more about the sponsors of this September 30th episode: Ensworth School Alabama Beaches Country Music HOF Country Music HOF Shoutout Country Music HOF Pick of Month 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 City Cast 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’s Best Karaoke Bars Are Saving Democracy, One Song at a Time

24 minSep 29, 2026

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, talk about why third spaces matter, and how cheap beer and a roomful of strangers singing the classics can make a place feel like home. **This episode originally aired November 11, 2025. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 29th episode: Ensworth School Alabama Beaches 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 City Cast 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 .

He Was Known as a Metro ‘Fixer.’ Now He’s Under Federal Investigation

21 minSep 28, 2026

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 so far about this scandal involving real estate deals, trash trucks, and some of the biggest names in Metro. Want more details? Read Stephen’s two-part story here and here . Learn more about the sponsors of this September 28th episode: Ensworth School Alabama Beaches 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 City Cast 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 .