People of Northwest Arkansas

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how an aspiring youth pastor becomes a Hollywood stunt performer? Professional stuntman Jef Groff joins us to unravel his unexpected journey, packed with thrilling tales that steered him from Southern California to Northwest Arkansas. Jef shares how the pandemic prompted a family relocation, allowing them to sink roots in Bentonville. Jef’s career is nothing short of...

Send us Fan Mail Matthew Moore shares his journey from rural Illinois to becoming a podcaster and Senior Producer at KUAF while navigating the challenges of parenting and sleep deprivation. The episode showcases the importance of support systems and the value of storytelling in understanding our world. Matthew discusses his transition from live music production to podcasting, the importance of edu...

Send us Fan Mail This episode uncovers the vital role of early childhood education in mental health and community well-being. Rhonda Ellis and Anna Cannon from Washington County EOA Children’s Services share their insights on coaching, stress management, and leadership development that empowers both children and their families. We also discuss the importance of reflection during year-end, the comp...

Send us Fan Mail Discover resilience and hope in our latest episode as Lori Ann Wood shares her inspiring journey from critical heart failure to advocacy. Tune in for a powerful story of community, faith, and healing. Lori passionately advocates for women's heart health, leveraging her experiences to educate others about the often-overlooked early signs of heart disease. This is the story beh...

Send us Fan Mail Listeners will uncover the heart of community advocacy as Irvin Camacho opens up about his dedication to his podcast, District 3, as well as immigrant rights through his work with DACA. Through scholarships and persistent advocacy, Irvin has been a beacon of hope, helping to provide financial aid and support to those in need. Hear firsthand how he’s built enduring relationships an...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on an inspiring journey with Lindsey Sabatini, an advanced practice nurse practitioner from the University of Arkansas, as she recounts her path from Northwest Arkansas to a thriving career in nursing. From enduring multiple shoulder surgeries in her youth to balancing a high-pressure ICU role with family life, Lindsey offers a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we chat with Bentonville's mayoral candidate, Steve Galen. Steve takes us on a journey from his coast-to-coast childhood to his own pivotal move to Bentonville in 1996. In this episode, Steve offers a glimpse into his life and his vision for Bentonville’s future. Steve shares his insights on enhancing public transportation, developing bike networks, and the vital r...

Send us Fan Mail From pursuing interior design to owning a thriving salon, Kelly Hansen's journey is a testament to resilience and passion. Join us in a candid conversation as Kelly shares how the 2008 economic downturn redirected her path towards the beauty industry. Her story is not just about career success but also about advocating true beauty standards and redefining perceptions of disab...

Send us Fan Mail Experience the thrill of our very first live audience recording at Go Rogue Studios in Bentonville, featuring a conversation with Bentonville Mayor Stephanie Orman. Discover the compelling journey of how Mayor Orman, drawn back to Northwest Arkansas for its family-friendly community and stability, has dedicated over two decades to enriching the Bentonville area. Through her extens...

Send us Fan Mail This episode features Larry Fleury, a gifted photographer who recently relocated to Northwest Arkansas. Join us as Larry shares his path to becoming an ambassador for Arkansas tourism, inspired by awe-inspiring photography. We explore his aerial photography adventures and the significance of authenticity in an age dominated by AI and Photoshop, committing to showcasing the true be...

Send us Fan Mail What if you could explore the glamorous world of Hollywood, all from the eyes of a seasoned insider? Join us as we host Carla Nemec, a film industry veteran with 35 years of experience. From her humble beginnings in Springdale, Arkansas, to her work on iconic films like "Terminator 2" and "Pirates of the Caribbean," Carla's journey is nothing short of rema...

Send us Fan Mail What drives a person to master two vastly different fields like surgery and aviation? Discover the compelling story of Jeff Bell, a man who seamlessly integrates his passions for both medicine and flying. From his roots in Northwest Arkansas to his academic journey in chemical engineering and his pivotal shift to a medical career, Dr. Bell shares how a mentor's guidance chang...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we sit down with Jarrod Reeves, CEO of Sunshine School & Development Center, to hear about the school's inspiring evolution and its mission to support individuals with developmental disabilities since 1958. Jarrod shares his personal story, revealing how a legacy of education and volunteerism shaped his career in nonprofit work. Discover the remarkable societal...

Send us Fan Mail In our latest episode, Larra Donaldson, the vibrant persona behind Sam's Furniture, walks us through her fascinating life story—shedding light on her transition from a surgical assistant to a dynamic career in event planning and sales, all while balancing family life, giving back to the community and her career. Don't miss out on Larra’s journey from Fayetteville, Arkans...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring conversation with Hannah Cicioni, a business owner and passionate bow hunter, who shares her journey through the commercial real estate and development landscape. Hannah's enthusiasm for revitalizing downtown Rogers with her company, CRD, shines brightly as she talks about her love for historic buildings and adaptive reuse projects. Discover how her e...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to discover how boxing can change lives? Learn from the inspiring journey of professional boxer and filmmaker Bernard Oliver, who joins us to share his story of triumph over adversity. From an aspiring football player sidelined by a heart condition to a renowned boxing coach and filmmaker, Bernard’s tale is one of resilience, divine intervention, and finding one's true...

Send us Fan Mail Trailblazers aren’t forged only on the rugged paths of the Ozarks; they're shaped in the solidarity of new beginnings, in the tight-knit fabric of the fitness community, and in the high-fives shared at the finish line of an Adult First Ride. We chat with Northwest Arkansas native, Jessy Heard, about the sheer joy of seeing adults conquer their fears on wheels. We roll into th...

Send us Fan Mail When Dawn and Max Bachman turned their passion for pets into a full-fledged luxury resort, they didn't just create a retreat for furry friends—they crafted an experience that redefines pet care. Our latest chat with the Bachmans takes you on a journey to Northwest Arkansas, where the couple's dream of providing a slice of paradise for pooches came to life. As we navigate...

Send us Fan Mail This episode is brimming with laughter and revelations as we discuss parenting kids who are eager to carve out their unique identities. Join us and expert speech pathologists, Brie Norton and Lynsey Phillips, as we dive into their groundbreaking work in alternative communication for children. We promise a blend of heartwarming stories and eye-opening discussions that showcase just...

Send us Fan Mail As the tides of change continue to shape our lives, the banking industry is no exception, and it’s here where Natalie Bartholomew's insights truly shine. We unpack the historical limitations for women in banking and how they are now steering the ship towards a more inclusive future. With the Girl Banker leading the charge, we explore the power of personal branding and how it’...

Send us Fan Mail As my own fascination with cigars began to mirror my husband's, I never expected that it would lead us to the heartwarming story of Bobby and Johnna, the dynamo duo behind Bentonville's Cigar District. This episode takes you on an intimate journey through their unexpected twist from dreaming of a kitchen supply shop to creating a destination for cigar lovers. Through the...

Send us Fan Mail Joining us is the ever-entertaining Ryan Boggs, who not only gives us an inside look at the sport but also shares how his rugby tactics play a role in his real estate career.  Whether you're in the market for a new home or just a fan of a well-played match, Ryan Boggs extends an open invitation to connect and experience the vibrant local scene he represents. @people_of_nwa @l...

Send us Fan Mail When J.D. Iceman, a man of Herculean strength and a heart as warm as the fires he performs with, sits down with us, you know you're in for a tale of triumph and tenacity. J.D. has not only crushed ice blocks on Britain's Got Talent but has also melted hearts with his personal journey and resilience through injuries. As a Guinness World Record holder, J.D.'s experien...

Send us Fan Mail Baang’s musical voyage, a tapestry of diverse influences, reflects a deep-seated love for the art form that has become an inextricable part of his identity. There's something about the unexpected paths life takes us on that both terrifies and excites us, a theme we heartily explored with our guest.  Baang's philosophy of "Believe, Aspire, Achieve, Now Go," delv...

Send us Fan Mail Brock Short, a man whose career reads like a "choose your own adventure" novel, finally steps into the limelight as this week's guest. He's the dynamo behind the scenes, spinning the decks, hosting Airbnbs, and even donning a festive hat as a dad. What makes Brock tick? We've got the inside scoop! Brock pulls back the curtain on the challenges faced and th...