SO NWA

Episode 44 - On this episode of the SO NWA Podcast , we're joined by Jeff Clifton, co-founder of True North Realty Group, and his wife, Kristy Hurley, a life coach and social media creator. Jeff shares his journey into real estate, how True North Realty Group found its niche in luxury homes and recreational land, and why taking care of clients goes beyond closing a deal. Kristy talks about fin...

Episode 43- On this episode of SO NWA, we reconnect with Robert Lockhart, a Navy veteran and founder of Lockhart Solutions 479, to hear his journey of service, personal growth, and entrepreneurship. Robert opens up about his military experience, the challenges he faced after leaving the Navy, and how overcoming addiction helped shape his desire to support others. We also discuss his business, whic...

Episode 42 - Liz G joins SO NWA to talk about photography, creativity, entrepreneurship, faith, and finding her way back home to Northwest Arkansas. From leaving Arkansas to pursue film in California, to working in social media and eventually building her own creative business, Liz shares what she’s learned during her first year of full-time entrepreneurship. We talk about photography, storytellin...

Episode 41 - We talk with Navy veteran, engineer, entrepreneur, father, and competitive bodybuilder Lyle Burks joins the SO NWA Podcast to talk about his journey from working on fighter jets and building his own business, Able Grant Home Services , while raising a family and competing in bodybuilding. We talk about military discipline, entrepreneurship, taking the leap into business, faith, fitnes...

Episode 40 - Local comedian Shaan Choppala , the Cajindian Comedian, joins SO NWA to talk about his journey into stand-up comedy, his Cajun and Indian background, and the rapidly growing comedy scene in Northwest Arkansas. We talk about performing, dealing with hecklers, finding inspiration, building local comedy shows, and what NWA needs to become a true comedy destination. Plus, Shaan shares som...

Episode 39 - Singer and artist Jampi joins the SO NWA Podcast to share his journey from Puerto Rico and New York to Northwest Arkansas and how music became his passion. We discuss writing original music, performing live, social media, criticism, content creation, and what it takes to build a career as an independent artist. We also talk about Puerto Rican culture, favorite local restaurants, mount...

Episode 38 - Ever wonder who's behind the SO NWA Podcast? In this special host episode, Juan Carlos and Enrique answer rapid-fire questions, share their favorite Northwest Arkansas restaurants, coffee shops, hidden gems, podcast memories, and talk about what "Serving Others" truly means. From real estate and entrepreneurship to family, community, and their vision for SO NWA, this is...

Episode 37- In this episode of the SO NWA Podcast , we sit down with Irvin Camacho —community leader, immigrant advocate, and host of the District 3 Podcast—for an honest conversation about leadership, empathy, belonging, and the people who make Northwest Arkansas stronger. Irvin shares his family's journey from California to Arkansas, what it was like growing up in Northwest Arkansas, and how...

Episode 36- In this episode of the SO NWA Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Matt Howell , owner of Eyes on the Square in Downtown Bentonville. Dr. Howell shares his journey from optometry school to opening his own practice, why he and his wife chose Northwest Arkansas, and how they built a business centered around excellence, hospitality, and serving others. We also dive into holistic eye care, the gr...

Episode 35 - On this episode Mental performance coach Ben Greene joins the SO NWA Podcast for one of our most meaningful conversations yet. Ben shares his journey from New York to Northwest Arkansas, how he and his brother built Green Performance Coaching, and why their mission isn't to tell people what to do but to teach them how to think. We dive into leadership, accountability, resilience,...

Episode 34 - In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Emily and Josh Saffran, owners of The Gents Place in Bentonville, to talk about entrepreneurship, family, leadership, and creating an experience that goes far beyond a haircut. We dive into how Josh's vision for a premium men's grooming club became a reality, how Emily transitioned from nursing into business ownership, and what it ta...

Episode 33- In this episode of SO NWA Podcast, we sit down with Kassie Ogle — furniture store owner, home staging expert, CrossFit athlete, and entrepreneur — for one of our most personal and eye-opening conversations yet. Cassie opens up about her experience with Hashimoto’s disease, chronic inflammation, anxiety, gut health, and the lifestyle changes that completely transformed her health journe...

Episode 32 -This week on the SO NWA Podcast, we sit down with Northwest Arkansas comedian Francisco Valencia — better known as Frisco Kid. From moving to Arkansas through J.B. Hunt to building one of the fastest-growing comedy brands in the region, Frisco Kid shares the real story behind the laughs. We talk about betting on yourself, handling criticism, building community, staying authentic, and h...

Episode 31- In this episode of SO NWA , we sit down with Ana Xavier, a podcast strategist and producer with over a decade of experience helping entrepreneurs launch and grow impactful podcasts. From starting her first show in 2008 to working across Portugal, London, and the U.S., Ana shares what actually works when it comes to podcasting—and what most people get wrong. We talk about: -Why most pod...

Episode 30-In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Yair Benitez — a young entrepreneur making serious moves here in Northwest Arkansas. From starting out cutting hair in a garage to owning multiple barbershops and building a name in real estate, YB shares what it really takes to grow something from the ground up. We talk about: • The power of consistency (and what it actually looks like) • Tak...

Episode 29- Thor O’Connor, owner of Thor’s Barbershop in Pea Ridge, shares his journey from college burnout to building a thriving barbershop in Northwest Arkansas. In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to start from scratch, the challenges of stepping out on your own, and how Thor turned a tough situation into an opportunity to build something authentic. From cutting hair in his gara...

Episode 28-In this episode of SO NWA , we sit down with Deysi Chicas, an executive closing agent with over 20 years of experience at Waco Title. If you’ve bought or sold a home in Northwest Arkansas, there’s a good chance you’ve been across the closing table from her. Deysi shares her journey from moving to the U.S. in 1994 to building a long, successful career in the title industry. We dive into...

Episode 27 - In this episode of So NWA Podcast , hosts Enrique and Juan Carlos switch things up and get a little more personal. They recap recent real estate wins , including closing deals and the strategies behind getting homes under contract quickly. From there, the conversation shifts into a fun “favorites” episode where the hosts share stories about childhood memories, comfort foods, favorite...

Episode 26- In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Cody and Mike Duley of Keller Williams for an honest conversation about leadership, growth, and building something that lasts. We dive into their journey in real estate, how they’ve built and scaled a successful team, and what it really takes to create long-term impact in Northwest Arkansas. From lessons learned along the way to the mindset r...

Episode 25. In this episode of SO NWA, Juan Carlos and Enrique sit down with Joseph Nguyen, the local food influencer behind Hangry Peddler. Joseph shares his journey into content creation, his connection to Northwest Arkansas, and how becoming a father shifted his priorities, mindset, and approach to social media. The conversation covers food, cycling, community, balance, and staying humble while...

Episode 24. In this episode of SO NWA, Juan Carlos and Enrique kick off Season 2 with a host recap and an honest, unscripted conversation. They reflect on Season 1, what they learned, and how the podcast has grown through the stories, guests, and community connections along the way. From there, they share personal life updates, including becoming a new dad, home renovations, and stepping into a ne...

Season 2 is officially here. In this short intro episode, We are check in with the SO NWA community, little reflection on last season, and talk through what’s new for 2026. This episode we recorded while testing out a new video podcast setup, and we liked the conversation enough to share it. Think of this as a quick hello, a fresh start, and a preview of what’s coming next. Our first full-length a...

Episode 23- In this episode, Enrique and Jc sit down with Natalie Tibbs , Executive Director of the Children & Family Advocacy Center of Benton County. Natalie’s parents founded Restoration Village in 1989, and today she continues the mission of providing safety, healing, and long-term support for women and children in crisis. Natalie opens up about growing up inside a women’s shelter, the rea...

Episode 22- In this episode of SO NWA , Enrique and Juan Carlos, we sit down with Keegan Staton, Planning Director for the City of Pea Ridge. We talk about what city planning really means, how it shapes daily life in Northwest Arkansas, and the balance between small-town charm and regional growth. Keegan shares his path from Bentonville to Pea Ridge, explains how residents can actually influence t...

Episode 21- Part 1 - In this heartfelt episode of SO NWA , hosts Juan Carlos and Enrique sit down at the kitchen table of Joe and Suzanne Spivey — two longtime Rogers residents whose family roots in Northwest Arkansas stretch back nearly a century. Joe, a Senior VP at Bank OZK, and Suzanne, a former teacher and Rogers Public School Board member, share stories of heritage, faith, education, and the...