Five questions for WPLN’s ‘This Is Nashville’ production intern Dereen Shirnekhi

Submitted photo

Dereen Shirnekhi (she/her) is the newest member of WPLN News. As This Is Nashville‘s first-ever production intern, Dereen helps get WPLN’s daily show on air. This includes pitching show ideas and helping the producers pre-interview guests. Get to know her.

1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Famous. Anything that would allow me to reach the heights of international stardom. And a zookeeper.

2. What made you want to work for WPLN News?

Being from Nashville, 90.3 FM has been preset in my family’s car for as long as I can remember. I love the great reporting that comes out of this little station, and I was really excited when This Is Nashville started airing. It explores the city in an entirely new way. I’ve done some reporting and a little bit of radio in college, so it felt like the perfect opportunity.

3. What can listeners expect you to do at WPLN News during your internship?

I work on whatever I can to help make This Is Nashville happen. So far, I’ve helped compile research for episodes, put together a Citizen Nashville post for mental health resources and pulled audio from the show for WPLN News to air later!

4. a) Do you consider yourself to be a foodie? b) Any favorite Nashville restaurants so far? c) Any places on your “must try” list?

I love food, and Nashville’s definitely the place for it. I grew up in South Nashville, right off Nolensville Road, so my favorite restaurants are all the immigrant-owned spots in that area lined up one right after the other. I also have a major sweet tooth, and for dessert, the Peach Cobbler Factory never disappoints.

Dereen in front of a waterfall in Kurdistan.

5. What do you like to do for fun outside the office?

I love to cook, and I prefer to follow recipes that are way more arduous than they’re worth. I’m always taking recommendations.

Bonus 1. Where else have you lived besides Middle Tennessee?

I’ve spent almost my entire life in Nashville, but I’ve also lived in Memphis, and I go to school in Connecticut.

Bonus 2. Where do you prefer your coffee and toast?

I prefer my toast darker than my coffee.

Coffee: E3

Toast: 7D