Steve Swenson

Based on the exploding number of high-rise developments and the scores of cranes visible in every direction, it’s no secret that Music City’s growth is literally “up in the air.” But the city’s growth also expands to the airwaves, and it particularly applies to Nashville Public Radio as they add new leadership to guide the beloved format into the future. Following a long stint with CBS radio in Washington, DC, and after running multiple stations in NYC, Steve Swenson is definitely the man for the job. With big plans and a big personality, this newcomer to Nashville is falling in love with his new home one day at a time. Here, he shares with us a bit about his life, interests and, of course, all things Nashville Public Radio.

TNE: Since you’ve joined the Nashville Public Radio, what do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of your role? What about the most challenging?

SS: My entire career has been on the commercial side of news radio which is, frankly, broken. My soul is once again being fed by getting to work with the incredible, nonpartisan, service missionfocused journalists we have at 90.3 WPLN. Our civic news organization is thorough, accurate and fair, and an outpost of civility, credibility and transparency. I think public radio is carrying the torch for great journalism and I’m over the moon to now be a member. The most challenging aspect is also our biggest opportunity. We are a relatively small organization and we want to have an even bigger impact on our community through more local coverage. That will require significant growth in staffing and revenues to support it.

TNE: What can listeners expect from Nashville Public Radio over the next year?

SS: Historically, we have primarily carried national programs with our news team doing short-duration local inserts. Our goal is to create a local Nashville news show where we can better showcase our great journalists but also have more time to devote to telling Nashville’s stories. We believe there is a gaping hole in our community for strong, locallyproduced news programming focused on meeting the information needs of our community in areas such as government, environment, education, social and criminal justice and public health.

TNE: Can you tell us a bit about working with the local board of Nashville Public Radio—what you’ve learned from a few notable personalities devoted to the effort?

SS: One of the biggest enticements for me in coming to Nashville was our Board of Directors. They are an amazing group of business and community-minded servants. They care so much about Nashville and making Nashville Public Radio a strong civic and cultural institution. They are incredibly supportive, enthusiastic, and just plain fun! The Board Chair during my interview process was Bill Carpenter, who was the CEO of LifePoint Health. Bill’s calm, steady demeanor but quick sense of humor is so reassuring to me and our team. And our new Chairwoman, Betsy Wills, is head of marketing for Diversified Trust. Betsy has been amazing in getting me introduced to the movers and shakers of Nashville! She’s known in all circles as someone who gets it done—and she does!

TNE: Tell us a little about your daily routine.

SS: I’m currently living in the Gulch and I wake around 5 a.m. each morning. The building I’m in has a great gym, so I work out with a trainer three mornings a week. After my sweat, I usually return to my condo and go online to ready myself for the day. I hit The New York Times, the Washington Post, The Tennessean, the Nashville Post, the Nashville Business Journal and our website for WPLN.org. After making myself a smoothie, I hop in the car with my dog, Oliver, and head to work. Yes, we allow folks to bring their dogs to work and many do, including me. Oliver, by the way, is a French Bulldog. I’ve been meeting a lot of people, so I regularly meet up with someone for a drink or dinner. My husband, Stewart, and I are foodies, having lived in NYC and Washington, DC. We’re loving exploring the great food scene here in Nashville. Many of our favorites so far are in Germantown.

TNE: How often do you travel for pleasure? What are your top destinations?

SS: My husband and I love to travel! Without a doubt, travel fills our souls. We’ve been to Italy about eight times. We love Europe and have pretty much traveled to most of the European countries. My Mom’s family is from Spain, so we’ve been to Madrid, Seville and Barcelona. The last three years we’ve hit Amsterdam and Paris. And I certainly don’t want to leave out London. I was so excited to find out that British Airways flies nonstop from Nashville to London! And, as crazy as this may seem, we enjoy “staycations.” We love to check into a local hotel and just chill for a weekend.

TNE: Any hobbies or regular activities?

SS: I love playing golf but I wouldn’t say I’m very good at it. But it’s a sport I can play with my parents, my husband, and my kids. Not too many sports where three generations can play together. Plus, I enjoy riding my bike and, shhh, sometimes hopping on a scooter!

TNE: What’s the best thing you’ve discovered about living in Nashville thus far? What about the most surprising thing you didn’t expect?

SS: I’ve lived in very large cities my entire adult life: LA, NYC and Washington, DC. The best thing so far about Nashville is that it has everything we love, but in a much more manageable city! I love seeing the growth. I know many Nashvillians are a bit concerned that the growth is changing the character of the city, but I find it exhilarating and energizing. At the top of my list for surprising is how incredibly nice everyone is. Truly, authentically nice! The second most surprising thing that I didn’t expect are the bachelorette parties — wow! Look out for the pedal taverns!

TNE: You chose the high-rise 1212 for your first home in the area. Tell us what inspired you to choose this building.

SS: My husband and I own a home on Nantucket. He is a many-times-published author and a college professor, so his schedule allows him to head up to our Nantucket Shangri-La in mid-May for a couple of months. Since I knew I would be crazed with my new job when I headed home at the end of the day, I wanted a place that was in a neighborhood where everything is walkable. Plus, since I’d be alone, I wanted an active place, which The Gulch certainly is!

TNE: What are some of your favorite “walking neighborhood” stops?

SS: I’ve become a regular at Del Frisco’s Grill, Moto and Kayne Prime. I also love breakfast at Milk & Honey. My favorite place to grab a drink is the rooftop of the Thompson Hotel. And my dog Oliver and I enjoy walking to get him treats at Pet Wants on Division. I also enjoy walking over to watch the trains slowly move through The Gulch and then I’ll head up to Demonbreun and the Frist Art Museum.

TNE: You are a self-described “foodie.” What makes a great restaurant, in your opinion? Any dining favorites in Nashville to mention?

SS: A restaurant that cares about atmosphere and experience [is what makes one great]. I love great architecture, which I think helps create the diner’s experience. And, of course, the food. When you take a bite and your eyebrows rise and you want to blurt out “wow!” then you know you’re eating food from a chef who cares deeply about making amazing flavors and textures. The night I took a bite of the sausage and cheddar biscuits at 5th & Taylor was one of those moments! The fish I had at Geist was another great dining experience. Living in DC, I was able to enjoy Bourbon Steak in Georgetown, so my husband and I headed to the top of the JW Marriott to celebrate a recent anniversary in the Bourbon Steak bar that protrudes from the oval building with a fabulous view of Nashville’s skyline.

TNE: What’s the one thing you haven’t tried in Music City yet that you’re looking forward to?

SS: I’ve been to the symphony at the Schermerhorn, I’ve gone to the ballet at TPAC, I’ve watched one of our NPR shows live at the Ryman and I’ve attended a Nashville Sounds game. I’ve eaten at Swett’s and Hattie B’s. I’ve enjoyed the restaurants on 12South. I’m looking forward to attending a concert at the Grand Ole Opry and going to the Belcourt Theatre to see an indie movie.

TNE: What do you miss most about living in a more urban city?

SS: So far, nothing. I guess the one thing we don’t have that NYC does are restaurants serving food after 11 p.m. It is called the city that never sleeps. But Nashville has everything else minus the crowds!

TNE: What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

SS: I like singing opera. I had a chance, once, in Venice, to sing with two Venice opera singers at an event we were hosting. It wasn’t something I expected but I had a blast. I’m not that good of a singer, just really loud! I practice in the shower.