The B Team Podcast

A reunion worth toasting! After a 50-day recovery from knee replacement surgery, Russ rejoins Matt and Josh for an episode brimming with bourbon knowledge, friendly banter, and genuine camaraderie.  The team dives straight into a special tasting of the brand new Bulleit Bottled in Bond Bourbon – the first expression fully produced at Bulleit's own Shelbyville, Kentucky distillery rather than...

Can bourbon and scotch peacefully coexist on the palate of a true connoisseur? Join us on the B-Team Podcast as we entertain this spirited debate with our first inbound guest, Charley Preston from The Workbench Collective. Laugh along with us as we share tales of guest recruitment challenges, involving Rob Nelson’s amusing avoidance of his own rolodex, and celebrate Charley's enthusiasm and h...

Join us as we uncover the spicy transformation of Jason and Candra Hutcheson, the dynamic duo behind Hutch's Hot Chicken, Bentonville's first Nashville-style hot chicken haven. With Jason's fascinating journey from law enforcement to the culinary world, and Candra's leap from nursing to restaurant ownership, their story is as flavorful as their famous Three Piece Tender dish. L...

Unlock the secrets behind Bulleit Bourbon's storied past and how it made its triumphant return in our latest episode of the B-Team Podcast. Join us as we sip and savor Bulleit's 10-year-old bourbon, exploring its unique flavors and how it measures up in classic cocktails versus sipping neat. With the dynamic duo of hosts Josh Saffran and Matt Marrs, and our ever-insightful guest Rob Nels...

Ever wondered how a charity event manages to raise $100,000? Join us, along with our permanent guest Rob Nelson, as we unravel the meticulous planning and teamwork that turned this ambitious goal into a reality in Part 2 of our conversation with Jon Williams. From navigating the nuances of event timing to avoid clashes with popular local happenings, to the thrill of hosting dinners that support pa...

What makes a city like Bentonville buzz with energy and promise? Our latest episode explores this question over a glass of Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series, a bourbon so smooth it had us all in agreement—a rarity! We toast to the vibrant business scene that has us predicting Bentonville's rise to become the Times Square of Northwest Arkansas by 2025. Join us for spirited discussions ab...

How does bourbon ignite debates about geography, and what makes Blade and Bow bourbon a standout in a world of aged spirits? This week, we navigate the bittersweet absence of one of our co-hosts and still manage to keep the energy high and the conversation flowing. We explore the rich distilling heritage of Kentucky, laugh over common misconceptions about its capital, and ponder the importance of...

What if an indulgent day at the spa could redefine your approach to wellness? This episode of the B-Team Podcast promises just that, as we welcome Chip, Brooke, and Alyssa from Woodhouse Spa in Rogers, Arkansas. Nestled in vibrant Northwest Arkansas, their luxurious sanctuary offers a lavish escape with champagne, cozy fireplaces, and state-of-the-art amenities like Himalayan salt rooms and zero g...

Ever wondered what makes bourbon meet the American labeling standards, or what it's like to tour Kentucky's most iconic distilleries amid unexpected weather twists? We kick off with a humorous chat about Michter's hats and knee surgery, transitioning into wild tequila tales and a surprising introduction to Dry Fly bourbon courtesy of Matt. Rob Nelson joins us as we share our thought...

Ever wondered how a touch of water can completely transform your bourbon experience? Join us on the B-Team Podcast as we share the secrets of savoring Knob Creek Single Barrel Select with the help of our grape and grain guru, Russ Kempton. This spirited session takes us through the unique flavors and aromas of this almost decade-old Bentonville treasure, as we sprinkle in some humor about Rob Nels...

Ever wondered how the sale of a beloved pizza truck property could shape Bentonville's future? Join us as we, your hosts Josh Saffran, Matt Marrs, and our resident guest Rob Nelson, reminisce about the vibrant Bentonville local business scene while sipping on Buzzard Roost rye whiskey. Reflecting on the financial and seasonal challenges faced by food truck ventures, we share heartfelt memorie...

Ever wondered if celebrities are just like us? We had our very own encounter with Rob Schneider that proved it – and it's just one of the many hilarious stories we share on this episode of the B-Team Podcast. Join hosts Josh Saffran, Matt Marrs, and our ever-unprepared yet charming permanent guest Rob Nelson, as we kick things off with a bourbon tale that’s equal parts suspenseful and ridicul...

Have you ever stumbled upon an unexpected treasure during a routine cleanup? Join us as we share a laugh over our bizarre discovery of a life-size sex doll in a closet, an unusual twist in our escapades in waste management. From bourbon tastings to dumpster tales, this episode promises a rollercoaster of hilarity and unexpected insights. We're sampling Buzzard's Roost bourbon, exploring...

Ever wondered how a photographer captures the charisma of celebrities and the allure of iconic brands like Nordstrom and Verizon? Get ready for an eye-opening conversation with Mike Davello, a man whose lens has seen it all. We share a taste of Lot B bourbon while learning how Buffalo Trace played a pivotal role in Mike's whiskey journey. Laughter flows as freely as the drinks, with anecdotes...

What happens when a kid from Los Angeles finds himself building a luxury clothing brand in Rudy, Arkansas? Join us as Mr. Hubbard of Hubbard's Clothing fills in for our regular guest Rob Nelson, sharing his unexpected and inspiring journey. At just 13, a snazzy mentor ignited his passion for style, setting him on a path from LA to the heart of the Ozarks. As we sip on the smooth, oaky delight...

What happens when you mix beard, bourbon, and business? We pour a glass of George T. Stagg and chat with Weisi, co-owner of Bar Cleeta, to find out. Our regular team, including the famously non-shaven Rob Nelson, is all laughs as we swap stories about facial hair, the art of savoring good bourbon, and making a mark on the local restaurant scene. We’re not just about the banter, though—we dive into...

What happens when sibling rivalry, small-town charm, and bourbon come together? Find out as we welcome Dave Marrs to the B-Team Podcast! Dave takes us on a hilarious journey from the original Matt and Karey show to the wildly popular Dave and Jenny show. Feel the camaraderie and humor in the room with hosts Josh Saffran, Matt Marrs, and our permanent guest Rob Nelson as we sip on a tantalizing app...

Vincent Lim, the "Wolf of Wok Street," invites us into the world of Wu Zhao, a Chinese restaurant inspired by the remarkable story of China's only female emperor. Discover how a chance encounter on Instagram led us to Vincent, bringing his culinary expertise all the way from Sydney to the charming town of Bentonville. Together with Catherine Zhang, we unravel the rich tapestry of fl...

Ever wondered why a 12-year bourbon tastes so distinct? Join us on The B-Team Podcast as Russ, our guest and bourbon aficionado, shares his insights on the complexities of bourbon aging in comparison to Scotch and Irish whiskies. Josh brings a story of intrigue involving a bottle trade to secure the illustrious 1792 12-year bourbon, while Rob adds to the humor with his amusingly less impressive co...

Mark Hufford, fondly known as Mr. Chick-fil-A, drops by to share his journey from tennis courts to fast-food royalty on this vibrant episode of the B-Team Podcast. Starting with a bourbon tasting that packs a punch at 121-proof yet glides smoothly, we chat about the unique culture and exceptional customer service that defines Chick-fil-A. Through humor and heartwarming tales, Mark reveals how the...

Ever wondered how love can steer your life's direction? Meet Dominik, an Olympic curler turned Swiss watchmaker, whose unexpected journey from Switzerland to Northwest Arkansas was fueled by romance. Join us and our co-host Matt Marrs as we kick off with the dusty adventure of his day and a taste of bourbon, setting the stage for a delightful conversation with Dominik. From curling ice in Swi...

This episode is particularly special as it features Lauren and Drew, who join us to honor the legacy of the late Ryan Mallett. Lauren, Ryan's sister, and Drew, a former Razorback player, share poignant memories and the charitable initiatives inspired by Ryan's life, including a heartfelt story of a softball game that became a tribute to his enduring spirit. We delve into the community-dr...

Ever wondered what happens when you throw pellet therapy and dining in the dark into a podcast episode? Join us as we hit the halfway mark of the B-Team Podcast's first season with a hearty mix of humor and reflection. Matt and I, along with our ever-entertaining permanent guest Rob, recount our adventures and misadventures, from stepping out of our comfort zones to embracing the unexpected....

Matt Marrs might have been caught in a sappy moment, perhaps shedding a tear while watching "The Notebook," but that doesn't stop him, along with Josh Saffran and Rob Nelson, from delivering a fun-filled episode packed with humor and heart. We welcome TJ from Cozy Heat, who not only shares intriguing insights into the history of his family’s fireplace business but also guides us thr...

Ever wonder what makes a Sazerac Cognac taste like dish soap to one person and a delightful vanilla experience to another? Join us as we welcome the astute Emily Saffran, owner of The Gents Place, who lends her taste buds and business insights to our latest episode. Our banter takes a humorous turn with co-host Josh's musings on whether the episode will lead him to divorce court or skyrocket...