Nashville Sounding Board

Episode 34 - One Year Later, a Transit Referendum Postmortem with Zak Accuardi May 01, 2019

On the one-year anniversary of the Let's Move Nashville referendum, Zak Accuardi and John Buntin look back and discuss lessons learned. Call it "Talking Transit Part 6." Zak is a transit and transportation expert who has conducted over 40 interviews as part of a forthcoming case study on the Let's Move Nashville transit referendum. Hosted by Governing Magazine writer John Buntin. Nashville Sounding Board is a podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles. Music by Craig Turner and Joe Halberstadt

Episode 33 - Freeing Cyrus Wilson Apr 12, 2019

In February 1994, Cyrus Wilson was convicted for the 1992 murder of Christopher Luckett. Wilson maintained his innocence at the time and has ever since. Cyrus Wilson is scheduled for a parole hearing on April 17th at 8:00 a.m. at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution. Guests on this episode: Casey Wilson and daughter Kassidy Rahim Buford - Unheard Voices Outreach Dawn Deaner - Choosing Justice Initiative Petition: https://www.change.org/p/free-cyrus-wilson Two excellent articles by Steven Hale: (April 2019) - https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/cover-story/article/21062386/the-trials-of-cyrus-wilson (Oct. 2017) - https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/cover-story/article/20980285/how-the-murder-case-against-cyrus-wilson-has-fallen-apart Nashville Sounding Board is a podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles. Views expressed by Benjamin Eagles in this podcast and on social media are his alone and do not reflect the views of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Music by Craig Turner and Joe Halberstadt

Episode 32 - Will Pinkston - School Board Exit Interview Apr 10, 2019

For those of you who don't know anything about Will Pinkston, here is his twitter bio: @WillPinkston: Served on the Nashville School Board from 2012-19. Blocks cranks and nitwits. Author of “Race to the Bottom: How Bad Actors Tried to Destroy Public Education" www.RacetotheBottom.us This interview includes questions about: - His support for MNPS Superintendent Dr. Joseph - His opposition to charter schools after once founding one - Social media antics - Attendance at MNPS Board meetings - Motivations for resigning - MNPS Budget and teacher raises Nashville Sounding Board is a podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles. Views expressed by Benjamin Eagles in this podcast and on social media are his alone and do not reflect the views of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Music by Craig Turner and Joe Halberstadt

Episode 31 - Gentlemen And Not Gangsters - Bishop Marcus Campbell Mar 28, 2019

Bishop Marcus Campbell has a powerful personal story and his group Gentlemen And Not Gangsters does some of the most important work in Nashville. GANG is a youth diversion program that combats youth violence by changing lives. You're going to want to listen to what Bishop Campbell has to say. After you listen, please join me in supporting his work. https://gentlemenandnotgangsters.com/donate Contact: mt.carmelmbcnashville@gmail.com or 615-636-0012 Topics by minute: 2:20 - Bishop Marcus Campbell's personal background 5:46 - Experience in a gang 7:10 - Transformative experience 12:30 - His mentors 13:33 - Starting GANG and the work they do 16:55 - Role of parental involvement 21:10 - What is the weekly program like? 24:32 - College tours 25:40 - How many kids have gone through the program? 27:15 - What factors make rehabilitation more possible? 29:00 - Rearrest rate of GANG graduates 30:50 - Success stories (and summer camp story) 34:20 - Story of kids who slipped through the cracks 37:00 - How have you seen the scale of the youth violence problem change? 41:50 - Have you applied for grant funding from the city? 44:45 - Documenting to become an "evidence-based" organization 48:20 - Reaction to the murder of Kyle Yorlets 51:36 - Visiting the detention center 54:25 - How can listeners support GANG? Nashville Sounding Board is a podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles. Views expressed by Benjamin Eagles in this podcast and on social media are his alone and do not reflect the views of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Music by Craig Turner and Joe Halberstadt

Episode 30 - Dr. BethAnn McLaughlin on #MeTooSTEM and Vanderbilt tenure struggle Feb 28, 2019

My guest on this episode is Dr. BethAnn McLaughlin, a neuroscientist in the Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a faculty member in the School of Medicine. Dr. McLaughlin is the founder of the #MeTooSTEM nonprofit group and was awarded the MIT Disobedience award for her advocacy for victims of sexual harassment and misconduct. We recorded this interview on February 28th, the same day that her employment at Vanderbilt was set to expire following an unusual tenure process. Change.org petition: https://www.change.org/p/vanderbilt-don-t-fire-prof-bethann-mclaughlin-for-standing-against-sexual-harassment Topics by minute: 1:20 - Personal background and education 2:07 - What drew you to the field of neuroscience and what was your path to becoming a neuroscientist? 3:30 - Your post doc adviser was a man. What was that experience like and how did it contrast with that of other women? 5:00 - Do you think that sexual harassment is worse in STEM programs than in private industry and other parts of academe? If so, why might that be? 6:40 - What is your research specialty and what’s your record of obtaining grant funding? 8:07 - What was the nature of your own experience with harassment? When did you first become aware of the scale of the problem generally and specifically in STEM? 13:27 - Taking off the blinders and becoming an activist 14:34 - What are the specific shortcomings of the Title IX process? 15:52 - Being a Title IX witness against a colleague 20:25 - What was the nature of your activism or political involvement prior to #MeTooSTEM? 24:00 - Where did the idea of #MeTooSTEM come from? What has been the response both nationally and at Vanderbilt? 26:07 - You frequently use the term “harassholes”...was that your creation? 26:25 - Today (2/28/19) the National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins released a statement apologizing to victims of sexual harassment and highlighting what NIH is doing to change the culture of sexual harassment in science. Director Collins tweeted a special thank you to you and said your “leadership with the #MeTooSTEM movement has given a voice to victims of harassment. Her activism has been valuable in shaping #NIH’s discussion on how to strengthen our efforts.” Have you ever gotten that kind of support and acknowledgement from Vanderbilt administrators? 27:10 - Has your #MeTooSTEM work interfered with your research and grant ability? 30:35 - How do you think your tenure case relates to your activism? The timeline as I understand it is that you were initially recommended and approved for tenure but then that decision was reversed after Vanderbilt Med School CEO Jeffrey Balser asked for the committee to review the decision. Can you talk about your tenure process and the nature of your grievance? 30:45 - So we’re talking here on February 28th...what’s the current status of your case? Is your employment in the hands of Vanderbilt Chancellor Zeppos? 35:50 - You’ve said that you’ve lost 4.5 years of your career and there is no path back. What steps can be taken to lower the price of defiance? 39:45 - Anita Hill, now a professor at Brandeis, wrote you a letter of support. She called you a hero and wrote, “The impact on you and your career are not to be underestimated.” How did that feel?? 41:17 - How can listeners support you? 46:25 - What are your plans for the future of #MeTooSTEM? Nashville Sounding Board is a podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles. Views expressed by Benjamin Eagles in this podcast and on social media are his alone and do not reflect the views of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Music by Craig Turner and Joe Halberstadt

Episode 29 - Joey Garrison's Exit Interview Feb 19, 2019

After a decade of reporting in Nashville, Joey Garrison is off to Boston! Joey covered Metro Nashville government and local politics for The Tennessean after covering local issues including education for the Nashville City Paper. Topics by minute: 1:23 - When are you launching your sports podcast? 3:00 - Would you rather see a Preds Stanley Cup, Titans Super Bowl or Vandy Final Four? 4:30 - How did you get into journalism? 7:36 - What is one thing that people might not know about your background? 8:55 - How will your job in Boston compare to your beat in Nashville? 11:05 - City Paper or Tennessean, which one was your favorite experience? 12:12 - Experience covering education 14:15 - Reporting on Great Hearts Academy story 16:30 - Did you prefer covering education or Metro government? 19:00 - 2019 Mayoral election and John Cooper's decision 22:00 - Bill Freeman's chances 24:20 - What reporting that you did in Nashville are you most proud of? 25:30 - Reporting on the Megan Barry scandal 29:20 - What's the most frustrating part about local journalism? 32:15 - Layoffs and the future of local papers 34:20 - You win the lottery and become a publisher -- who do you hire? 36:00 - What's your best story idea that never ran? 37:25 - Who is the most interesting local politician who people may not know about? 38:17 - Would you ever consider working in an elected official's administration? 38:45 - Thoughts on working for a PR firm? 40:00 - Joey's thoughts on the direction of Nashville 42:25 - Joey's idea for reforming council meetings 45:35 - What advice would you have for a college student interested in a journalism career? 47:00 - What will you miss most about Nashville? 48:25 - Any plans to return to Nashville? 48:45 - Signing off with some closing thoughts

Episode 28 - Holly McCall on the state of the Tennessee Democratic Party Feb 16, 2019

In January, Holly McCall challenged Mary Mancini in the election for Tennessee Democratic Party chair. Holly McCall is a longtime Democratic operative and public communications strategist. She currently serves as the chair of Emerge Tennessee and as the chair of the Williamson County Democratic Party. In 2016, McCall ran for TN State House in District 65. Topics by minute: 1:50 - What motivated you to run for TNDP Chair? 3:35 - What were your main critiques of TNDP Chair Mary Mancini? 8:00 - What is the path forward and what are other states doing differently? 10:40 - How would a more liberal candidate play statewide? 12:40 - Target races - How would you suggest focusing resources? 16:00 - If TN Democrats are on a 20 year path back, how should progress be judged? 18:08 - Similarities between McCall's results in Williamson County and Mancini's results statewide 19:35 - Lessons to learn for TNDP to move forward 20:45 - As a communications professional, what are your comms ideas? 22:10 - How would Democrats go about running more liberal candidates? 23:45 - Most of McCall's support was from Middle TN and new members of the TNDP Executive Committee 28:54 - What were your biggest takeaways from running for party chair? 30:00 - How can Democrats utilize young activists? 31:00 - Getting rid of the TNDP Executive Committee? 33:05 - Future involvement for Holly McCall Nashville Sounding Board is a podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles. Views expressed by Benjamin Eagles in this podcast and on social media are his alone and do not reflect the views of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Music by Craig Turner and Joe Halberstadt

Episode 27 - Civility in the Age of Trump: a chat with David Plazas Feb 02, 2019

David Plazas leads the Civility Tennessee campaign. Plazas is the opinion and engagement director for the USA Today Network Tennessee. He writes editorials and columns, manages community engagement, and serves on The Tennessean Editorial board. Topics by minute: 1:08 - Book Recommendation 1:45 - First year of Civility Tennessee campaign 4:50 - Civility as more than politeness 7:42 - Does "civility" suppress the voices of marginalized people? 11:30 - BLM protest. With protest speech is there still a need for civility? 14:50 - The place for incivility 16:00 - Can policy positions themselves be uncivil? 17:04 - Destroying each other on social media 17:55 - Kid Rock uproar 21:45 - The 2016 editorial that Plazas regrets 27:36 - Unfriending and incivility on social media 30:00 - Incivility decreased after Twitter increased the character limit 33:50 - How does The Tennesseean decide on when (not) to endorse? 38:34 - Endorsements in the digital age and the process for 2019 47:50 - Year 2 of Civility Campaign...what can we expect? Nashville Sounding Board is a podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles. Views expressed by Benjamin Eagles in this podcast and on social media are his alone and do not reflect the views of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Music by Craig Turner and Joe Halberstadt

Episode 26 - Pull up a chair: TNDP Chair Mary Mancini talks lessons learned and plans for 2020 Jan 18, 2019

I sat down with Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Mary Mancini following her January 12th re-election to a third two-year term. See the below list of topics with minute markers. Interview with challenger Holly McCall coming soon! Topics by minute: 1:15 - Critiques of her tenure at the TNDP 4:33 - Path back to relevance in a deeply red state 8:33 - What's a fair standard for judging the TNDP - process vs. results? 11:05 - Has your work set the stage for wins in 2020 and beyond? 12:52 - Candidate support. Did you stretch resources too thin in 2018? 20:22 - Identifying target races 26:05 - How detrimental was the Kavanaugh situation for Bredesen? 28:10 - What happened to cause you to lose support of some activists? 34:28 - Key lessons learned from this cycle 37:02 - Only 41% of the TNDP Executive Committee donated? 39:05 - Goals for 2020 Nashville Sounding Board is a podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles. Views expressed by Benjamin Eagles in this podcast and on social media are his alone and do not reflect the views of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Music by Craig Turner and Joe Halberstadt

Episode 25 - Prof. Larry Bartels - What Political Science Can Teach Us About Politics Today Dec 20, 2018

Trying something new for the final episode of 2018! Vanderbilt University Professor Larry Bartels discusses his book, Democracy for Realists, with guest host and Governing Magazine writer John Buntin. Bartels also discusses what identity politics means and why politics today is more partisan than ever. (Scroll down for list of books mentioned) Topics by minute: 2:30 - "The Folk Theory of Democracy" 3:30 - How well informed are voters? 5:18 - Impact of the economy on voting behavior 7:40 - Thermostatic nature of American politics 11:13 - Voters blaming Presidents for natural disasters 14:20 - Are elections a game of musical chairs? 15:40 - Swing voters 17:05 - Partisanship as identity 18:30 - Religion and reinforcing identities 23:20 - Polarization 26:35 - Race and "collapse of liberalism" 29:21 - Shift beginning in 1964 31:15 - Racial backlash or "white southern identity?" 34:48 - Race and party affiliation post Obama 40:42 - Trump and the racialized lens 43:09 - What was most striking about Trump's campaign? 47:23 - How well do elections hold politicians accountable? 50:00 - Political engagement and groups contending for power 51:51 - Local elections and national partisanship 54:38 - Book recommendation Books Mentioned: -- "Uncivil Agreement: How Politics Became Our Identity" by Lilliana Mason -- "Ideology in America" by Christopher Ellis and James Stimson -- "Identity Crisis: the 2016 Presidential Campaign and the Battle for the Meaning of America" by Sides, Vavreck and Tesler -- "The Politics of Resentment: Rural Consciousness in Wisconsin and the Rise of Scott Walker" by Kathy Cramer -- "Democracy for Realists: Why Elections Do Not Produce Responsive Government" by Larry Bartels Nashville Sounding Board is a podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles. Views expressed by Benjamin Eagles in this podcast and on social media are his alone and do not reflect the views of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Music by Craig Turner and Joe Halberstadt

Episode 24 - Homelessness in Nashville - Open Table Nashville's Lindsey Krinks Nov 21, 2018

This episode features Lindsey Krinks, the Education and Street Chaplaincy Coordinator and co-founder of Open Table Nashville (http://opentablenashville.org/). See timeline of topics below. Interview minute markers: 1:30 - Book recommendation: "Evicted" 2:15 - How did you start doing this work? 3:20 - The work of Open Table Nashville 6:05 - What have you seen change over the past decade? 8:25 - Causes of homelessness 11:34 - "Radical culture of care"...where are we as a city from 1-10? 13:21 - Church Street Park land swap 19:24 - Merits of the Housing First model 22:50 - Reaction to Amazon deal 24:55 - Tent cities 29:00 - What is the best way for people to help? 31:15 - Waiting list for affordable housing 34:00 - Microhome village 35:00 - Number of homeless people in Nashville 36:30 - "Ending homelessness" as the goal? 39:30 - Peer cities to emulate 40:48 - Balancing policy advocacy and direct outreach 43:07 - Cold night walkalongs (email winter@opentablenashville.org) 43:50 - Dangerous effects of cold weather 46:30 - Homeless people being pushed further out into the county Nashville Sounding Board is a podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles. Views expressed by Benjamin Eagles in this podcast and on social media are his alone and do not reflect the views of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Music by Craig Turner and Joe Halberstadt

Episode 23 - Community Oversight Board - Amendment 1 follow-up Oct 24, 2018

This episode is a follow-up conversation with Dr. Sekou Franklin and Theeda Murphy, two leaders of Community Oversight Now, a coalition pushing for a police community oversight board in Nashville. The COB Charter Amendment appears on the November 6th ballot as Amendment 1. Interview highlights with minute markers: 1:55 - Campaign after death of Daniel Hambrick 3:23 - Response to Mayor Briley's comments 6:02 - Common concerns with COB proposal 8:27 - Front-end vs. back-end accountability 12:32 - Buy-in from the Police Dept. 19:41 - Best practices. What cities are doing best? 24:28 - The Policing Project 27:07 - How would implementation of policy recommendations be enforced? 31:26 - How would a COB work in an example such as the Hambrick case? 37:47 - To what extent is this a racial issue? Nashville Sounding Board is a podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles. Views expressed by Benjamin Eagles in this podcast and on social media are his alone and do not reflect the views of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Music by Craig Turner and Joe Halberstadt

Episode 22 - Budget Woes and Police Oversight Pitfalls - Governing Magazine's John Buntin Oct 02, 2018

Governing Magazine writer John Buntin talks about Nashville, police oversight, and the unintended consequences of recent local decisions. The first half of the interview follows up on Buntin's July article, "Amid Scandal and Explosive Growth, Nashville Ponders Its Future." In the second half of the episode, we discuss community oversight of police and his January article, "Police Departments Grapple With Who Should Hold Them Accountable." Interview highlights and minute markers: 3:14 - Book recommendation 4:43 - Nashville's fiscal situation 18:21 - Prioritizing downtown development 30:23 - Police oversight discussion begins 43:30 - Front-end accountability vs. back-end accountability Nashville Sounding Board is a podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles. Views expressed by Benjamin Eagles in this podcast and on social media are his alone and do not reflect the views of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Music by Craig Turner and Joe Halberstadt

Episode 21 - Labor Day Edition: Organized Labor in Nashville Sep 03, 2018

This episode features Vonda McDaniel and Ethan Link. Vonda McDaniel serves as the President of the Central Labor Council (CLC) of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Ethan Link is the Assistant Business Manager of the Southeast Laborers' District Council (LIUNA) and serves as Treasurer of the CLC. Interview highlights and minute markers: 15:30 - Construction worker safety 20:30 - Community Benefits Agreement process for MLS Stadium Deal 36:00 - CLC political endorsement process 38:23 - Organizing hospitality industry in Nashville Nashville Sounding Board is a podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles. Views expressed by Benjamin Eagles in this podcast and on social media are his alone and do not reflect the views of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 20 - Vice Mayor Runoff: Sheri Weiner and Jim Shulman Aug 23, 2018

This episode features Metro Council members Sheri Weiner and Jim Shulman, the two candidates for Vice Mayor of Nashville. Election day is September 6, 2018. They discussed their respective political party affiliations, the proposed soccer stadium deal and community oversight of police among other topics. They also each got to ask the other a question, so stay tuned for that. Nashville Sounding Board is a podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles. Views expressed by Benjamin Eagles in this podcast and on social media are his alone and do not reflect the views of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 19 - "From 'It' City to Great City" - John Cooper talks finances with Alanna Autler Aug 07, 2018

Alanna Autler guest hosted this interview with Councilman at-large John Cooper. Autler is an investigative reporter, formerly of WSMV News 4 in Nashville. This interview includes discussion of the proposed soccer stadium deal, growth and affordability, the transit referendum, business incentives, tax increment financing (TIF) and the impact on school funding. Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles. Views expressed by Benjamin Eagles in this podcast and on social media are his alone and do not reflect the views of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 18 - Knocking 'Dores: First-time candidates Joseph Williams and Kyle Southern Jul 18, 2018

Kyle Southern and Joseph Williams are both first-time candidates for the Tennessee House of Representatives. They're in different political parties, but both Kyle and Joseph have backgrounds in education, hold two degrees from Vanderbilt University and served as student body president during their time in college. Find out what drove them to run for office, what they hope to accomplish, what they've learned as first-time candidates, and more. Kyle Southern is running in District 59 - https://southern4tn.com/about Joseph Williams is running in District 56 - https://williamsfortn.com Election day for the primary is August 2, 2018. Nashville Sounding Board is a podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard Produced by Benjamin Eagles Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 17 - Regulating Bird Scooters in Nashville Jul 03, 2018

In this episode, I spoke with Councilmembers Jeremy Elrod and Angie Henderson to discuss the status of e-scooters in Nashville. Councilman Elrod has introduced legislation to regulate e-scooters and other vehicles in the space. We discussed the utility of the scooters and dockless bikes, associated risks and problems, how this regulation attempt compares to AirBnb, and more. KEY ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION: - Scooters/bikes shall not be operated upon a sidewalk within a business district. Whenever operating on a sidewalk, the user shall yield to any pedestrian - Any scooter parked in any one location for more than 2 days without moving may be removed by Public Works at the expense of the company. - Helmet use is encouraged while riding. - Companies must have at least $1,000,000 in automobile insurance and $2,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance. - Companies must provide Metro with detailed data on a regular basis - An operator can ramp up their fleet over 6 months (Up to 400 during first 2 months; 800 in 3rd and 4th months; 1,200 in 5th and 6th months; and beyond 1,200 with approval after 6 months). {You can read the latest version of the ordinance here: http://jeremyelrod26.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Ordinance-1202-Second-Substitute-and-Amendments.pdf} Nashville Sounding Board is a podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 16 - Police Community Oversight Board Jun 15, 2018

In this episode I spoke with Dr. Sekou Franklin and Theeda Murphy. Both are members of Community Oversight Now, a coalition pushing for a police community oversight board in Nashville. The group is gathering petition signatures to get a COB Charter Amendment on the ballot later this year. This interview includes discussion of their COB proposal, the previous effort to work through Metro Council, the shooting death of Jocques Clemmons, Mayor Barry's scandal, police body cameras, and more. Nashville Sounding Board is a podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 15 - Budget Discussion w/ Council Members Vercher and Mendes [Hosted by Steve Cavendish] Jun 09, 2018

Steve Cavendish guest hosted this episode. He interviewed Councilman at-large Bob Mendes and Councilwoman Tanaka Vercher. Vercher represents District 28 and is Chair of the Metro Nashville Budget and Finance Committee. This interview includes discussion of Metro's revenue shortfall, a potential property tax increase, public trust, school funding, cost of living raises, property sales, debt, etc. Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard NSB is produced by Benjamin Eagles Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 14 - Meet Councilwoman Erica Gilmore, Mayoral Candidate May 23, 2018

Part 4 of a series of interviews with candidates running to be Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County. Metro Councilwoman Erica Gilmore is one of thirteen candidates. Election day is May 24, 2018. We discussed Metro's budget situation, her evolution from an advocate to opponent of the transit plan, incentive deals, affordable housing, community oversight of police, and more. Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard Produced by Benjamin Eagles Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 13 - Meet Ralph Bristol, Mayoral Candidate May 22, 2018

Part 3 of a series of interviews with candidates running to be Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County. Ralph Bristol is one of thirteen candidates. Election day is May 24, 2018. Ralph Bristol is a retired conservative radio talk show host. Bristol vocally opposed the Let's Move Nashville transit plan and recently drew attention for his comments on racial profiling. We discussed both of those issues as well as Metro's budget situation, among other topics. Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard Produced by Benjamin Eagles Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 12 - Meet Rep. Harold Love, Mayoral Candidate May 18, 2018

Part 2 of a series of interviews with candidates running to be Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County. State Representative Harold Love is one of thirteen candidates. Election day is May 24, 2018. We discussed his experience as a legislator and his "back to the basics" campaign platform. Issues discussed include Metro's revenue shortfall, affordable housing, and the push for a police community oversight board. Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard Produced by Benjamin Eagles Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 11 - Meet jeff obafemi carr, Mayoral Candidate May 17, 2018

Part 1 of a series of interviews with candidates running to be Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County. jeff obafemi carr is one of thirteen candidates. Election day is May 24, 2018. We discussed his activism at TSU, his opposition to the transit referendum, and his campaign platform. Issues discussed include Metro's revenue shortfall, the push for a police community oversight board, and the MLS soccer stadium deal. Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard Produced by Benjamin Eagles Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 10 - Legislative Session Wrap-Up with Sen. Jeff Yarbro May 07, 2018

After the Tennessee legislative session concluded, I sat down with Sen. Yarbro (D - Nashville) to discuss some of the biggest policy issues in Tennessee. We discussed sanctuary cities, the opioid epidemic, Medicaid expansion, transit, short-term rentals, sexual harassment legislation, and more. Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting Middle Tennessee. www.nashvillesoundingboard.com www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard Produced by Benjamin Eagles Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 9 - Talking Transit Pt. 5: The Debate Apr 22, 2018

This episode features a debate between Council Members Angie Henderson and Freddie O'Connell. They debate the merits of the "Let's Move Nashville" transit plan and discuss the campaigns on each side. (Part 5 and the finale of a series on the "Let's Move Nashville" transit plan leading up to the referendum on May 1, 2018.) Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting the Nashville community. www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard Produced by Benjamin Eagles Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 8 - Talking Transit Pt. 4: The Gentrification Train? Apr 13, 2018

My guests in this episode are Kennetha Patterson of Homes for All Nashville and Tamika Douglas of PATHE and Music City Riders United. They discuss the transit plan in context of affordable housing concerns in our city. (Part 4 of a series on the "Let's Move Nashville" transit plan leading up to the referendum on May 1, 2018.) Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting the Nashville community. www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard www.twitter.com/NashSoundBoard Produced by Benjamin Eagles Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 7 - Interview with the Metro Nashville Public Schools Director Apr 06, 2018

My guest in this episode is Metro Nashville Public Schools Director Dr. Shawn Joseph. As MNPS is in the midst of budget season, I ask Dr. Joseph about Title I funding, student achievement, teacher retention, enrollment projections and free lunches. Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting the Nashville community. www.twitter.com/nashsoundboard www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard Produced by Benjamin Eagles Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 6 - Talking Transit Pt. 3: The Mayor's Expert Mar 26, 2018

In this episode, you'll hear from Erin Hafkenschiel, the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Transportation and Sustainability in Nashville, TN. We discuss the transit plan's components, best practices, transit-oriented development and more. (Part 3 of a series on the "Let's Move Nashville" transit plan leading up to the referendum vote on May 1, 2018.) Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting the Nashville community. www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard Produced by Benjamin Eagles Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 5 - Talking Transit Pt. 2: What does the Fox say? Mar 10, 2018

David Fox, runner-up in the 2015 Nashville mayoral election, talks mass transit, the May 1st referendum, and his future political plans. (Part 2 of a series on the "Let's Move Nashville" transit plan leading up to the referendum vote on May 1, 2018.) Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting the Nashville community. www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard Produced by Benjamin Eagles Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Recorded prior to Mayor Megan Barry's resignation. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/ "No Tax for Tracks" song courtesy of Darryl MacQuarrie

Episode 4 - Talking Transit with the Lead Council Sponsor Feb 25, 2018

This episode features Metro Nashville Councilman Jeremy Elrod, the Chairman of the Metro Council Public Works Committee and the lead sponsor of the transit initiative. (Part 1 of a series on the "Let's Move Nashville" transit plan leading up to the referendum vote on May 1, 2018.) Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting the Nashville community. www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard Produced by Benjamin Eagles. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 3 - Public Education in Nashville Feb 11, 2018

This episode features Vesia Wilson-Hawkins, a former Metro Nashville Public Schools student, parent and staffer. Vesia is an education activist and blogger. Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting the Nashville community. www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard Produced by Benjamin Eagles. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 2 - Preserving Fort Negley Park Jan 28, 2018

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Clay Bailey, president of the Friends of Fort Negley. We discuss Fort Negley Park's rich history and the ongoing preservation efforts. Fort Negley is a Civil War fort in Nashville, Tennessee. Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting the Nashville community. https://www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoundingBoard Produced by Benjamin Eagles. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. www.audiobinger.net/

Episode 1 - Regulating Airbnb in Nashville Jan 09, 2018

Nashville Sounding Board is a new podcast dedicated to discussing social and political issues affecting the Nashville community. In this first episode, I sit down with Metro Nashville Councilman Freddie O'Connell to discuss proposed regulation of the short-term rental industry in Nashville, Tennessee. Interview has been edited for length and clarity. Nashville Sounding Board is produced by Benjamin Eagles. Music: "State of Mind" by Audiobinger is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. http://www.audiobinger.net/

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