Former Tennessee governors Phil Bredesen and Bill Haslam are teaming up to host the new podcast "You Might Be Right."

• Each episode will see the governors, who come from different political parties, delve into hot-button issues like gun violence, climate change and affordable housing.

Why it matters: Bredesen and Haslam said the podcast, which launches tomorrow, seeks to elevate bipartisan problem-solving and civil conversations that include different parts of the political spectrum.

Between the lines: The podcast comes from the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy at the University of Tennessee.

• Baker represented Tennessee in the U.S. Senate in addition to stints as White House chief of staff under former President Reagan and as U.S. ambassador to Japan from 2001-2005.
• The podcast title draws from his view that constructive political debates required participants to consider that "the other fellow might be right."

What they're saying: "It has never been more important for us to have thoughtful conversations focused on actually solving problems instead of just scoring points," Haslam, a Republican, said in a statement.

• "I hope that these conversations can help spark a renewed interest in the civility and principled leadership that Sen. Baker modeled throughout his remarkable career," said Bredesen, a Democrat.

The details: The eight-episode season will feature conversations with former Vice President Al Gore, former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and former U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, among others.

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A trendy new restaurant in Germantown. The backyard of a record shop in East Nashville. A meat-and-three south of downtown.

• Americana Fest will feature approximately 200 artists performing in Nashville's most hallowed concert halls. But the festival also will tap into hidden gems and convert unique spaces across the city into makeshift venues — including Arnold's Country Kitchen and The Groove record shop.

Why it matters: Americana Music Association executive director Jed Hilly says the use of unconventional music venues came about because businesses — most of them independent and locally owned — wanted to be a part of the annual event.

• Just 15 years ago, the festival was restricted to seven venues and one hotel and featured 53 artists.
• This year, 51 venue locations spanning eight Metro Council districts will serve as hosts. Hilly says the strategy showcases Nashville itself to the fans who travel from around the world for Americana Fest.
• Venerable venues such as Station Inn, the Ryman Auditorium and Exit/In will host shows throughout the festival, which begins today and ends Saturday. "We have Charley Crockett playing a show at Station Inn, and he could easily sell out the Ryman. That's part of what makes us different."

What he's saying: "It happened organically," Hilly tells Axios. "What happened was we had venues that wanted to be partners. They wanted to get involved."

• Hilly says it's important to remember that the evening showcases are booked by the association's staff, not by record labels or talent agencies.
• "I'll have a booking agent say to me, 'Hey, I've got two artists playing at the same time.' First of all, we try to avoid that. But that's sort of proof that this is curated by our staff."

Yes, but: Because the festival spans the city, it has created the need for organizers to police venues that market concerts this week as official Americana Fest events when they actually are not.

• "Inevitably what happens is I will reach out to them after and say, 'Be a partner. We want you to get involved.' Maybe that backyard gathering that drew 150 people could bring in 400 people next year."

If you go: Festival passes, which get you into most concerts (space permitting), are still available for $175.

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💭 Nate's thought bubble: If you're heading to this year's festival and looking for a great show to check out, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more stacked lineup than Friday night at Exit/In.

• New wave Americana darlings Jaime Wyatt and 49 Winchester lead the list of five artists performing that night. Kicking things off at 7pm is one of the OGs of the Americana music movement: Jim Launderdale.
• Phosphorescent will perform from the latest in his cover songs collection the Full Moon Project at Brooklyn Bowl on Saturday.

💭 Adam's thought bubble: The festival is giving plenty of Nashville's underrated gems a chance to shine, and few are more worthy than Allison Moorer.

• She'll be on a panel discussing books, which is likely to touch on her searing memoir "Blood."
• But she'll also get the chance to sing at other festival appearances. If you haven't heard her gorgeous voice in action, those events should be a top priority.

🔍 A behind-the-scenes look at how Chaatable closed. (Tennessean, subscription)

💰 The state is sending $175 million earmarked for poor residents to seven organizations. (WPLN)

📚 Metro Nashville Public Schools announced 48 schools on its reward list. (Main Street Nashville)

Vanderbilt University came in at No. 13 in an annual ranking of the nation's top colleges released yesterday by U.S. News and World Report.

• It's the highest-ever showing for Vanderbilt, which came in 14th last year and has consistently ranked within the top 20. This year, the school tied with Brown University.

What they're saying: Vanderbilt issued a statement celebrating the milestone, with Chancellor Daniel Diermeier citing the list as "one recognition that we are an extraordinary learning and research community."

Yes, but: While the annual list is a powerful force in higher education, there is increased scrutiny on the metrics behind the rankings.

• Columbia University, which previously came in at No. 2, dropped to 18th this year after officials acknowledged providing incorrect data in past years.

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