The 3W Podcast

The curtain rises on a revealing conversation about what truly happens behind the scenes of community theater productions. Anne Jackson, executive director of Arts One Presents, shares fascinating insights about the business operations that audiences rarely consider — from licensing fees that can reach $16,000 per show to the creative problem-solving required when working with limited budgets and...

Sixty years of artistic heritage deserves a celebration unlike any other. That's exactly what Anne Jackson, executive director of Arts One Presents, has created with their inaugural gala happening Sept. 4 at Sassafras Springs Vineyard. "This is not a program – this is a production," Anne explains, describing how they've reimagined what a fundraising event can be. What truly dis...

What happens when childhood curiosity meets visionary educational design? Holland Hayden returns to reveal how the Amazeum is transforming Northwest Arkansas through play-based learning and community connection. Dive into the prehistoric world of "Roar & Explore with Dinosaurs," where massive animatronic creatures roar through lush jungle settings while children build fossils and tes...

What happens when play and education combine? Magic. In this celebration of the Scott Family Amazeum's 10th birthday, Holland Hayden reveals the extraordinary journey of Northwest Arkansas's beloved children's museum that has welcomed over 2 million visitors since opening its doors. We dive into the exciting plans for their 10th birthday bash on Saturday, July 12, including water ba...

Ever wondered how food banks actually work? In this enlightening conversation with Julie Damer, Director of Marketing and Communications at Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, we pull back the curtain on the complex system that feeds 89,000+ food insecure neighbors across four counties. Julie shares the crucial distinction between food banks (which function like distribution centers) and food pantries (...

Every child deserves a nutritious breakfast they can prepare themselves. That's the driving force behind the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank's innovative Summer Cereal Drive, running throughout June 2025. When Julie Damer from the NWA Food Bank joined Kasie Yokley on The 3W Podcast, she revealed how this simple concept is already transforming childhood hunger relief across Benton, Washingto...

The Bentonville Film Festival celebrates its 11th year with an ambitious lineup of films, celebrities, and free family-friendly events spanning multiple downtown venues. Twilla Brooks with Bentonville Film Festival shares insider details about this year's theme "Find Yourself in Film," celebrity appearances including Al Roker and Lucy Liu, and the expanded "Homegrown" sect...

What happens when you step away from corporate success to find your own path? In this captivating conversation, former Walmart executive Twilla Brooks shares her journey from the structured world of retail to entrepreneurship and her current role with the Bentonville Film Festival. Listen now to discover how Brooks navigated major career transitions, and join us for part two where we'll dive...

The 3W Podcast returns after a brief break with host Kasie Yokley sharing updates and reintroducing the mission behind 3W Magazine, a 17-year publication dedicated to Northwest Arkansas nonprofits.

Discover how a group of dedicated women is reshaping health care through collective philanthropy. Joined by Mary Heman, Alison Levin, and Brie Madden, we explore the remarkable work of Mercy's Women with a Mission group. Mary offers insights from her marketing career at Ocean Spray and her long-standing involvement with the organization. Brie shares her journey from real estate law to busines...

Stephanie Orman's journey from the world of advertising to the mayor's office in Bentonville is nothing short of inspiring. On this episode of The 3W Podcast, Stephanie shares her personal and professional experiences, giving us a heartfelt glimpse into her life. We discuss the growth and construction challenges in Northwest Arkansas and the unique connections formed through travel sport...

Ever wondered how a top executive manages a high-stakes career while juggling the demands of family life? We sat down with Julie Barber, the powerhouse behind Walmart’s general merchandise organization, to uncover the secrets of her success. From the bustling back-to-school season to her time leading the snacks division, Julie reveals the complexities and exhilaration of her professional journey....

Ever wondered how youth sports shape family dynamics and community bonds? Join us on The 3W Podcast as we welcome my good friend Ryan Harrington to share the hilarious and heartwarming stories while balancing career, community, family and friends in Northwest Arkansas. Hear Ryan's side-splitting story about negotiating with his son Will for a new bat and the friendships that travel sports fos...

Join me as I sit down with my dear friend, Tina Winham, to reminisce about our journey of friendship and shared commitment to community involvement in Northwest Arkansas. From our initial meeting through the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas to our collaborative efforts in Women With a Mission, we share heartwarming stories of our nonprofit projects. We'll also explore the transformation of...

Ever wondered how a gala can change lives? Join us for a heartwarming episode of The 3W Podcast, where we sit down with the inspiring "Mandy's Mafia" — Mandy Macke, Jennifer Yurachek and Tareneh Manning. These extraordinary women share their dedication to Arkansas Children's Northwest, spotlighting the importance of the annual Gala of Hope and a remarkable $25 million donation...

What fuels the unwavering spirit of a community arts organization as it evolves through decades of change? Join us as we sit down with Anne Jackson from Arts One Presents to trace the captivating journey of this Northwest Arkansas gem, formerly known as the Arts Center of the Ozarks. Anne opens up about the thoughtful rebranding process, significant name changes and the transformative initiatives...

Ever wondered how a single Facebook ad could transform someone's life? Tune in to this heartfelt episode of The 3W Podcast, where we sit down with Tyler B. Clark and Kat Guzman from the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas. Kat shares her journey from discovering the scholarship by chance to successfully navigating the interview process, all while balancing her duties as a Nat...

Ever wondered what it takes to transform a community through innovation and creativity? Join us as we chat with Holland Hayden from the Scott Family Amazeum and uncover her inspiring journey. Holland shares her incredible experiences and the vibrant energy that makes Benton County a hub of excitement and growth. We dive explore the unique offerings at the Amazeum, including the popular Tinkerfest...

What happens when an Oklahoma State Cowboys fan, deeply rooted in her hometown and fiercely loyal to her team, moves to SEC country and starts cheering for the Razorbacks? Join me, Kasie Yokley, in this heartfelt episode of The 3W Podcast as I share my journey from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to Bentonville, Arkansas. From my beginnings at TulsaPeople Magazine to co-founding 3W Magazine with Leslie Za...

Ever been captivated by the allure of flawless skin and the transformative power of dermatological treatments? Join us as we sit down with Kara Richardson of Premier Dermatology, whose 19-year tenure in the medical field is nothing short of a masterclass in dedication and expertise. Together, we dissect her fascinating journey to becoming a Physician Assistant in the elite field of dermatology. Ka...

Join me, Kasie Yokley, and my dear friend Linda Phillips as we take a heartfelt stroll down memory lane, celebrating the Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter's monumental 30th anniversary. Our podcast episode is brimming with stories of compassion, as we underscore the shelter's vital role in nurturing children through crises. Revel in the behind-the-scenes tales of the nonprofit&a...

Embark on a personal journey like no other as my dear friend Allison McElroy, a seasoned nonprofit strategist, joins me to unpack the emotional nuances of career shifts and the quest for work-life harmony. Allison's poignant transition from her role at Open Avenues to the consulting realm, motivated by the need to care for her ailing father, speaks volumes of the sacrifices and adjustments we...