the underview.

In this episode of the underview , we sit down with brothers Steve and Rusty Anderson , sixth-generation descendants of Col. Hugh Allen Anderson —believed to be one of the first white settlers to arrive in Northwest Arkansas in the early 1800s. Through their family’s oral history and deep regional roots, we explore a story that reaches back before the Cherokee Trail of Tears, into the era of westw...

In September 2020, Bentonville’s Confederate statue was removed from the downtown square and relocated to a new park near the city cemetery. The decision came after years of debate, heightened by the national reckoning on racial justice following the murder of George Floyd.  In this episode, Benton County Judge Barry Moehring reflects on the process that led to the statue’s removal, the tensions a...

the civil war with Dale Phillips. In this episode of the underview , historian Dale Phillips , retired Superintendent of Lincoln Home National Historic Site , explores the Civil War’s impact on Arkansas, particularly Northwest Arkansas, and why its legacy still matters today. With over 40 years in the National Park Service, he unpacks the state’s role in secession, the battles fought on Arkansas s...

the weary land with Dr. Kelly Houston Jones, part 2. In the weary land with Dr. Kelly Houston Jones, part 2 , we examine Arkansas’s secession and the Civil War’s impact on slavery. Dr. Jones explains how Governor Henry Rector and state leaders saw slavery as essential, with even Unionist Arkansans supporting it for economic stability. We explore how fear, paranoia, and political power drove secess...

the weary land with Dr. Kelly Houston Jones, part 1. In this first episode of a two-part series, Dr. Kelly Houston Jones, author of A Weary Land: Slavery on the Ground in Arkansas , explores how slavery was foundational to the state’s formation—shaping its economy, politics, and society from the beginning. We examine the rise of the “second slavery,” the daily lives of enslaved people, and the way...

the great river with Boyce Upholt. The Mississippi River is more than just a body of water—it’s a force that has shaped the land, the people, and the very mythology of America. In this episode of the underview , I sit down with Boyce Upholt, author of The Great River , to explore how this river became the backbone of American expansion, the driving factor in Manifest Destiny, and a symbol of Ameri...

the downstream people, the elders with Barbara Kyser-Collier. In this episode of the underview , Barbara Kyser-Collier, a leader and elder of the Quapaw Nation, shares the history, resilience, and cultural restoration of her people. From the impact of federal policies that led to the loss of full-blood Quapaw to the ongoing fight for sovereignty and identity, Barbara’s story sheds light on the end...

the downstream people, the elders with Betty Gaedtke (ep 2, 09). In this episode, we sit down with Betty Gaedtke , an elder of the Quapaw Nation and the only known Quapaw potter actively reviving the traditional art of her ancestors. Through her work, Betty is not only shaping clay but reclaiming history, restoring cultural identity, and ensuring that Quapaw traditions endure for future generation...

In part three of the underview with Melissa Horner, we explore how settler colonialism continues to impact Indigenous communities today, from intergenerational trauma to systemic challenges. Melissa highlights the importance of shifting from deficit-centered narratives to celebrating the resilience, agency, and cultural beauty of Indigenous peoples.  The discussion addresses the Vatican’s 2023 rep...

In part two of the underview with Melissa Horner, we delve into the enduring impacts of settler colonialism on relationships with land, community, and identity. Melissa contrasts Indigenous relationality, rooted in responsibility and reciprocity, with Western notions of ownership and possession.  From historical land dispossession to modern systems like conservation, medicine, and capitalism, she...

In this episode of the underview , Melissa Horner introduces listeners to the foundational principles of settler colonialism and its enduring impact on U.S. society. Beginning with her personal story, Melissa shares how her identity as a Métis citizen and descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa informs her work and perspective. She frames settler colonialism not as a historical event bu...

the origin culture with Jazlyn Sanderson. Episode 5 of Season 2 of the underview takes a deep dive into the story of Northwest Arkansas through the lens of art, culture, and history with Jazlyn Sanderson, Director of the Museum of Native American History in Bentonville. Jazlyn’s passion for preserving Indigenous narratives reveals how the art, tools, and traditions of the past connect to the land...

the beginning with Dr. Melissa Zabecki. Episode 4 of Season 2 of the underview takes us deep into the rich history beneath our feet with Arkansas State Archeologist Dr. Melissa Zabecki.  From her childhood obsession with Egypt to her work uncovering the stories of Arkansas’s past, Dr. Zabecki shares how archeology reveals the vibrant lives of the people who came before us.  She discusses the impor...

the story of Northwest Arkansas with Mike Rusch In this second season of the underview: the story of Northwest Arkansas , we trace the stories that have shaped this region, from early conflicts between Indigenous nations and European settlers to the creation of the state and the ongoing struggles for freedom, community, and belonging. This is not just a journey into the past—it’s an exploration of...

In this second season of the underview: the story of Northwest Arkansas , we trace the stories that have shaped this region, from early conflicts between Indigenous nations and European settlers to the creation of the state and the ongoing struggles for freedom, community, and belonging. This is not just a journey into the past—it’s an exploration of Northwest Arkansas through the voices of those...

In this second season of the underview: the story of Northwest Arkansas , we trace the stories that have shaped this region, from early conflicts between Indigenous nations and European settlers to the creation of the state and the ongoing struggles for freedom, community, and belonging. This is not just a journey into the past—it’s an exploration of Northwest Arkansas through the voices of those...

the city council with Bill Burckart. Episode 42 features Bill Burckart, the current Bentonville City Council Member for Ward 3, Position 2. We discuss his last four years in office, his accomplishments, his vision for the city, and his campaign as he seeks reelection. https://www.theunderview.com/episodes/the-underview-bentonville-city-council-bill-burckart About the underview: The underview is an...

the district with Representative Mindy McAlindon. Episode 40 features Mindy McAlindon, the current Arkansas State House Representative for District 10. We discuss her last two years in office, her accomplishments, her vision for the District, and her campaign as she seeks reelection. episode:  https://www.theunderview.com/episodes/the-underview-arkansas-state-house-district-10-mindy-mcalindon Abou...

the district candidate with Kate Schaffer. Episode 41 features Kate Schaffer, a candidate for Arkansas State House Representative for District 10. We discuss her involvement in the District, her vision, and her campaign as she seeks election. https://www.theunderview.com/episodes/the-underview-arkansas-state-house-district-10-kate-schaffer About the underview: The underview is an exploration of th...

Episode 39 features Jocelyn Lampkin , a candidate for Bentonville City Council Member for Ward 4, Position 2 . We discuss her involvement in the City, her vision for the city, and her campaign as she seeks election. Episode Webpage:  https://www.theunderview.com/episodes/the-underview-bentonville-city-council-jocelyn-lampkin About the underview: The underview is an exploration of the development o...

In Episode 38 , we sit down with Holly Hook , the current Bentonville City Council Member for Ward 4, Position 2. We discuss her last four years in office, her accomplishments, her vision for the city, and her campaign as she seeks reelection. Episode Webpage:  https://www.theunderview.com/episodes/the-underview-bentonville-city-council-holly-hook About the underview: The underview is an explorati...

In Episode 37 , we feature Steve Galen , a candidate for Mayor of Bentonville.  We discuss his story and background, his work in the community, his vision for the city, and his campaign as he seeks election. Episode Webpage:  https://www.theunderview.com/episodes/the-underview-mayoral-candidate-bentonville-steve-galen About the underview: The underview is an exploration of the development of our C...

In Episode 36, we feature Stephanie Orman, the current Mayor of Bentonville. We discuss her last six years in office, her accomplishments, her vision for the city, and her campaign as she seeks reelection. Episode Webpage:  https://www.theunderview.com/episodes/the-underview-the-mayor-of-bentonville-arkansas-stephanie-orman About the underview: The underview is an exploration of the development of...

Episode 35 , the final episode of Season 1, features host Mike Rusch . In this episode, Mike addresses the season's central question: "What is the state of Northwest Arkansas?" Episode Webpage:  https://www.theunderview.com/episodes/the-underview-the-state-of-northwest-arkansas-mike-rusch About the underview: The underview is an exploration of the development of our Communal Theolog...

Episode 3 4 is a discussion with Scotti Moody , Event Director for Arkansas Graveler. Our conversation focuses on the state of Northwest Arkansas and how the Arkansas Graveler is working to connect people to the state and the communities of this state to each other. Episode Webpage:  https://www.theunderview.com/episodes-full/the-underview-the-arkansas-graveler-scotti-moody-ozark-foundation About...