How can a WPLN music story transport you somewhere new?

During this holiday week, the NashVillager Podcast takes a moment to share some of the best local reporting of the year — as chosen by WPLN staffers. Today, music reporter Justin Barney shows how his colleague Jewly Hight goes far beyond typical artists interviews to capture the local music scene.

It’s been quite a year for everyone’s favorite: country star, actress, philanthropist (and just plain good person) Dolly Parton. Plus the local news for December 19, 2025 and the final installment of The Debt.

Credits:

This is a production of Nashville Public Radio

Host/producer: Nina Cardona

Editor: LaTonya Turner

Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Why are there so many memorial services during the otherwise joyful holiday season?

As This Is Nashville mounts an "in memoriam" episode, a look at why the holidays are a natural time to pause and reflect on the people we’ve lost.

Plus the local news for December 18, 2025 and an excerpt from The Debt.

America had Civil Rights Leaders who fought hard for equality far before the to the Civil Rights Movement as we usually think of it got underway. Plus the local news for December 17, 2025 and this week’s edition of What Where Whens-day.

Credits:

This is a production of Nashville Public Radio

Host/producer: Nina Cardona

Editor: LaTonya Turner

Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

After more than year without a new contract, some workers at the Chattanooga VW factory are losing patience with the United Auto Workers. Plus the local news for December 16, 2025 and another installment of The Debt.

Credits:

This is a production of Nashville Public Radio

Host/producer: Nina Cardona

Editor: LaTonya Turner

Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Exposure to the elements during a brutal cold snap played a role in the defeat of the Confederates in the two-day Battle of Nashville. Today, people living on the street face many of the same conditions, and federal resources to help them are in limbo. Plus the local news for December 15, 2025, and part one of The Debt.

Credits:

This is a production of Nashville Public Radio

Host/producer: Nina Cardona

Editor: LaTonya Turner

Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The neighborhood that used to run things at Cheekwood is ready to kick out the stream of visitor traffic to the attraction. But the plan for moving access to a new road has opponents of its own. Plus the local news for December 12, 2025, and the chilling of free speech on Appalachian college campuses.

Credits:

This is a production of Nashville Public Radio

Host/producer: Nina Cardona

Editor: LaTonya Turner

Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Incredible fog once lead to a tragic accident involving nearly 100 cars near Chattanooga. The complex system that protects against a repeat tragedy needs to be replaced. Plus, the local news for December 11, 2025 and Andi Marie Tillman.

Credits:

This is a production of Nashville Public Radio

Host/producer: Nina Cardona

Editor: LaTonya Turner

Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez and the staff of WPLN and WNXP