City&Town: Podcast Series

The TSH Crew sits down with  Alicia Payseno from the Arkansas Hospitality Association

Welcome to the Spring 2026 edition of the City & Town Podcast. In this episode we offer a reminder about the fast-approaching Convention 92 and mandatory training opportunities for city and town treasurers, visit with Municipal Law about a new data-driven project, check out Searcy's Riverside Park, hear how Rogers' spay and neuter program is serving its animal population, and learn h...

On this episode of There’s Something Here , John and Kevin hit the road to Bryant — and discover there’s a whole lot more happening than meets the eye. From hoops talk in the heart of Hornet country to sampling some of the standout spots in the town’s rising food scene, they explore what gives this Central Arkansas community its flavor. Whether you’re here for basketball, bites, or just a good sto...

On this episode of There’s Something Here, Kevin Shalin and John Wilkerson dive into the latest buzz around Breckenridge Village, where a new farmers market is beginning to take shape. The TSH crew unpacks how the project came together, what it could mean for the community, and why local growers and makers are already excited. From early challenges to big possibilities, the gang digs in to find ou...

Welcome to the February 2026 edition of the City & Town Podcast. In this episode, we look back at the wintry weather's effect on Arkansas cities and towns, check in on some wonderful things happening in Paragould and Paris (Arkansas!), and hear what people are saying about the community development potential in Arkansas should Issue 3 pass in November's General Election. Enjoy!

The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP) continues to guide municipalities through the implementation of national settlement funds. League Executive Director Mark Hayes, ARORP Director Kirk Lane and Arkansas Association of Counties Litigation Counsel Colin Jorgensen will provide updates on form submissions, funding timelines, and how cities can access resources to support prevention, treat...

As 2025 winds down, City & Town takes a look back at a busy few months at the Arkansas Municipal League, with a recap of the last regional meeting of the year in Jonesboro, a visit to an exciting trail development in Mena, a look at how two cities are addressing homelessness, and a peak behind the scenes in Municipal Health. We also have a special story from Eureka Springs for the holiday seas...

Ducks. Rice. Stuttgart. The TSH gang heads east of Little Rock to explore this Delta town. 

The TSH gang is back after a long break, and catch up with travels over the Summer. 

As the summer of 2025 winds down, the C&T Podcast crew takes a look back at Convention 91 and August's annual planning meeting, and offers a preview of the busy League schedule ahead, including the 2026 Winter Conference (registration is open now!).  We also visit with Maumelle and Danville, where some fun new things are happening. Enjoy!

John Wilkerson and food blogger Kevin Shalin continue their culinary journey across Arkansas with a stop in the scenic town of Heber Springs, where rich history, good food, and natural beauty converge. In this episode, the duo explores a variety of local restaurants, dives into the area's unique museum offerings, and visits the iconic Greers Ferry Dam for a look at its breathtaking views. Fro...

AML’s General Counsel, John Wilkerson, and Little Rock food blogger Kevin Shalin continue their journey through Arkansas. In this episode, they visit the college town of Searcy, where they dive into local diners, discover hidden gems, and indulge in a classic Southern treat—strawberry shortcake. From beloved institutions to unexpected finds, John and Kevin explore the rich culinary landscape and v...

AML's General Counsel, John Wilkerson, and Little Rock food blogger Kevin Shalin team up to explore Arkansas through food and community. In this episode, the two share highlights from their visit to three small towns east of Little Rock. From local dishes to the unique charm of each town, John and Kevin uncover the flavors and stories that make Arkansas special.

In this episode, we take a look back at Called to Serve: '25, the League's 2025 Winter Conference. Enjoy!

Join us on this captivating journey through the charming town of Batesville, Arkansas, in the latest episode of There's Something Here. Kevin dives into Batesville's culinary treasures, offering mouth-watering insights and hidden gems that will delight any food enthusiast and John provides listeners with an insider's perspective on what makes Batesville truly special.

Your favorite podcast is recording a live episode! Expect fun conversations, unique takes, and maybe a few surprises!  Don’t miss your chance to see Kevin Shalin, the food guru from @The Mighty Rib, and John Wilkerson, the legal whiz of the Arkansas Municipal League, live in action. Plus, we’ll have special guests from cities and towns across the state joining us!

The December edition of the City & Town Podcast is now live! We’ve got ribbon cuttings and unveilings across the state, tasty festivals that bring folks together, straight talk about State Aid Streets, and more.

Join hosts John Wilkerson and Kevin Shalin, a.k.a 'The Mighty Rib'  on "There's Something Here," where they dive into the heart of small towns in Arkansas through the lens of community and food.  In this episode, John and Kevin explore the charming town of Mena, Arkansas. Discover the unique local flavors, meet the passionate people who call Mena home, and uncover the stor...

The TSH Gang talks coffee, and all their favorite spots to grab a cup in Arkansas.

In this special two-part episode of There’s Something Here, hosts John Wilkerson and Kevin Shalin take you on a thrilling journey through Camden and Magnolia. Join the gang as they recount their eerie encounters in Camden, then they head to Magnolia for an unforgettable evening at Lefty’s! Along the way, John and Kevin dive into their favorite food stops, highlighting the delicious eats that make...

Join the TSH Crew as they recount their last adventure to the City of Sheridan! 

As summer turns to fall in Arkansas, we take a look back at the 2024 Annual Planning Meeting, and League General Counsel John Wilkerson stops by to offer some insight into legislative priorities ahead of the next Arkansas General Assembly. We also hit the courts at the 2024 UAMS Health Little Rock Open and swing by northwest Arkansas, where a fun art project is bouncing from city to city.

The TSH team is back for season two! John and Kevin head to Cabot, to talk about what the city has in store and that there is much more than meets the eye. 

Join the TSH team as they recap their recent trip to the City of Fort Smith. 

The TSH team sits down to recount their adventures over the last several months, and looks ahead to discovering more hidden gems in Arkansas.