Reviews

I got into podcasting because, one day a while back, I stumbled upon and listened to "The Tuba Man" episode of Neighbors. I knew that podcasts existed but had never seriously listened to any. I'm not even from Nashville - I was in college in Pennsylvania at the time - but I somehow came upon this incredible story about a man who plays tuba in a tunnel during rush hour. I was moved by compassionate approach Jakob used to highlight Joe's story. Most people would scoff Joe's playing off as an "other" among us, like the clips he incorporates at the beginning of the episode to highlight the naked people seen on the subway, or the man wearing a suit ten sizes too big - a "well, that's weird" kind of attitude. But, by telling Joe's story in his own words throughout the episode, we get to humanize and understand the Tuba Man, and we are shown the complicated and beautiful human experience we all get to share together. I cry every time I listen to "The Tuba Man" episode. And I'm equally drawn to everything that Jakob releases through Neighbors. Please listen to as many episodes of this as you can, and, as Jakob always says at the end of the episodes, "get to know your neighbors."

Neighbors gets better and better with each episode. Highbrow/Lowbrow got me thinking about taste and subjectivity and examining my motivations…can’t ask for better than that. Also beautifully edited with excellent music. Two years later, I'm catching up on a few months of episodes. I've come to appreciate the length of episodes--most are at about 20 minutes, which you can listen to while making dinner. A lot of storytelling podcasts require a longer commitment that I can't always make. The time constraint also forces the producers to really stick with the best quotes and the tightest narrative. They create really great scenes, too, which makes it feel immediate. What I like most is that they don't try to bring every episode to a super startling, deep conclusion. Rather, they let the stories be what they are -- tales of everyday people.

Just listened to a Neighbors episode for the first time. 'The Fighter'. Beautiful. So happy to have found these. Smart, thoughtfully produced. Thoughtfully everything. Thank you!

A friend of mine recommended this podcast to me, and I couldn't be more happy with his recommendation. The host is very skilled at picking interesting stories and telling them in a compelling way. My favorite episode thus far is The Oregon Trailblazer. Without giving too much away, it's a very unique story that is woven both with humor and excitement.

Jacob Lewis takes people's lives and brings their story to life with incredible music, sound effects and finds the heart of American life. While it is based out of Nashville these stories will fascinate and delight everyone.

This is a favorite podcast of ours!

I highly recommend this podcast. The local stories are intriguing and Jakob's writing style captivates your attention. Stories like this humanize this city we live in and love.

I listen to a lot of podcasts, a lot. I have a long drive to work and they save my sanity. Listen to this podcast, you will not be disappointed. Try Bringing Wes Home or Honoring Wishes - both excellent. Honestly, I haven't heard one episode I haven't liked. The host is great and the stories are wonderful.

I just finished listening to "every breath is precious" My 28 year old daughter also has CCHS and it was like you were telling our story and you were in our home. Love your soothing voice, too.

Jakob doesn't just tell stories well, he finds really good stories to tell. A good reminder that great stories are all around us.

Great work! I have learned several things about my community I would not have known, had it not been for WPLN's work here.

This podcast is the antithesis, or maybe presents the remedy, of one of the great problems in America of our time: fear of our neighbors. The producer, Mr. Lewis, intentionally goes out to meet the other people in his town, and finds incredible stories along the way! Extremely well produced, well written, enjoyable, and all true. I love this podcast! We would all do well to get to know our neighbors.

I love this podcast... I first started listening when my fellow therapist, Trey Holt, was featured in the story of Rosa Mary Dean. I didn't anticipate to continue to listen to the other stories, but my found myself intrigued with each one more than the last. Keep sharing the awesome resilience, love and hope our neighbors have!

If you like This American Life, you'll love Neighbors! Every episode is an engrossing story about a local Nashvillian. Jacob and team does an excellent job and I'd highly recommend this podcast to anyone!

This is the one I would want to make. Stories about connections and interactions between humans and each other and the world around us. Such real stuff. Thanks, Jakob.

Hope to hear new episodes of this great podcast about people, human nature, their lives and experiences. Really like Jason too. A+++

What a wonderful podcast. I've been binge-listening since recently having "Neighbors" recommended to me. It's great storytelling that is a nice mixture of covering important topics and enjoyable entertainment. Thanks for making this show!

I really like this podcast. It's a great perspective on community in the amount of time it takes for me to drive to work!

It was a pleasure to discover this show today. I’ve already listened to two episodes. I’m loving this podcast! It’s refreshing to hear these types of stories from Nashville.

Jakob is such a gifted storyteller, which comes from his exceptional ability to truly listen. His stories provide fascinating glimpses into the lives of our neighbors, who we otherwise wouldn’t have the pleasure of knowing. Thank you for sharing these gems with us!

I just wish they were longer. From the very first episode, this podcast felt like that friend that you are always excited to see. One of those super interesting people who always has a new story to tell, and who tells it in such a way that ooh! wow, where did that hour go? and when you walk away you smile all the way back to your car, and in bed that night you wonder why your cheeks hurt. On a technical note, I think the mark of a well-produced podcast is that you never once think about how it sounds, and Jakob makes a well-produced podcast.

Great podcast, it makes me want to hold story night in my backyard! (Originally from Seattle, currently living outside of San Francisco.) I love storytelling and listening to others' tales, so this is right up my alley. The food reviews are great too, because when it's not peaking my interest to visit Nashville, it's reminding me to stay present and revel in my food (instead of Hoovering it down like I did in college). Makes me happy just to listen to this warm and welcoming community. :)

I don’t like taking time to write reviews but I’ve been feeling guilty about this one because it is just SO good and, clearly, not enough people know about it. Where are our 2016 episodes?! Please tell me that they’re coming…does NPR need to invest 10 sec of their time to get you some on air ads?! It is ridiculous that only 60 people have reviewed this show! First of all the concept is timely. At the end of each show Jakob reminds us all to “Get to know your neighbors”. In a time when most of us maintain relationships electronically it's important to take the time to build relationships with those few people we actually do have face time with on a regular basis—our neighbors. Second, I appreciate the gentle, underplayed manner of Jakob’s style. This podcast never hurts my ears and I don’t ever feel like I’m being hit over the head with a message. Rather, he takes me on his adventure and I make up my own mind. Finally, the content is fantastic. Many of the interviewees are from his local area and I find myself wondering how he finds such interesting people. Of course, the answer is..Jakob finds great guests to interview by getting to know his neighbors! Don’t miss this podcast! Join me in asking for more episodes!!!

Jakob is a fascinating storyteller who is creating great content and doing some awesome work with high quality sound engineering. If you like podcasts like This American Life, this is right up your alley.