SO NWA

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 gro...

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, rela...

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 takes to b...

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 podca...

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 w...

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 mu...

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 real...

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 th...

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...

Episode 21 - Part 2 - 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...

Episode 20- In this episode of SO NWA, Enrique and Juan Carlos sit down with longtime friend and community leader Christian Saavedra — a Rogers native by way of El Salvador — to talk about his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected educator and head soccer coach at Rogers Heritage High. Christian shares how mentorship, discipline, and honest leadership shaped his life, from learnin...

Episode 19- In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Rogers Mayor Greg Hines as he reflects on more than a decade of leadership and community growth. From navigating downtown revitalization to leading recovery efforts after the 2024 tornado, Mayor Hines shares his insights on responsibility, resilience, and what it truly means to serve. He opens up about his family’s deep roots in Northwest Ark...

Episode 18- In this episode of SO NWA, Juan Carlos and Enrique sit down with Mariah Newman, an inspiring leader whose journey has taken her from humble beginnings in Kansas, to teaching and community transformation, to serving in high-impact leadership roles at Walmart, and now to launching her own venture—The Soulfire Collective. Mariah shares how courage, connection, and service have guided her...

Episode 17- In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with father-daughter duo Drew Perry and Lauren Tedford, the team behind SnapHouss Real Estate Photography in Northwest Arkansas. Though they launched their business just a year and a half ago, their passion, hard work, and community connections have already made them a trusted name among realtors across the region. With the help of Drews Wife and...

Episode 16- This week on SO NWA, we sit down with Chris Sparks — president of the Benton County Police Athletic League and Walmart’s Global Special Investigations pro. Chris shares his journey from becoming a dad at 19, to graduating from the FBI National Academy for leadership training, to building the first PAL program in Northwest Arkansas. We talk about how sports and mentorship can change the...

Episode 15- This week on SO NWA, we sit down with Christina Meister, principal of Grace Hill Elementary, whose journey from classroom teacher to school leader is rooted in a deep commitment to her students and community. Christina opens up about discovering Northwest Arkansas, the “why” that keeps her going, and the vision she has for every child at Grace Hill—one with no ceilings and no barriers....

14. On this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Kevin Bennoch — Peace Corps alum, former teacher, and the founder of Bentonville’s beloved Pedaler’s Pub. Kevin shares how years spent living in Fayetteville shaped his love for Northwest Arkansas, but it was Bentonville where he planted roots and built something lasting. We talk about his journey from teaching to entrepreneurship, his vision for cre...