Free Market of Ideas
About Free Arkansas
A media brand for the people, places, and politics of Arkansas.
“No spin. No echo chambers. Just bold conversations that challenge the status quo and empower Arkansans to think critically and speak freely.”
Free Arkansas exists to advance a bold, honest marketplace of ideas, amplifying the voices of Arkansans who believe our state can be first in freedom, opportunity, and quality of life. Through fearless conversations, rigorous journalism, and civic engagement, we challenge the status quo and build the intellectual and cultural foundation for a better Arkansas.
Think Critically, Speak Freely.
What We Stand For
Inform
Credible, in-depth content on the issues that matter most to Arkansans: tax policy, education, housing, healthcare, and civil liberties.
Engage
Space for independent voices, diverse perspectives, and frank dialogue that drives real civic participation.
Inspire
A “worst to first” mentality that motivates Arkansans to imagine, demand, and build the state they deserve.
Core Values
Intellectual honesty
Follow ideas, not agendas.
Civic courage
Have the uncomfortable conversations others avoid.
Independence
Not beholden to party, faction, or sponsor pressure.
Rooted in Arkansas
Local, specific, actionable content.
Freedom-forward
Limited, just government and personal responsibility produce better outcomes.
Purpose
Arkansas has the talent, resources, and spirit to lead, not follow.
Our Founder
Andy McNeill
Andy McNeill is a business leader and entrepreneur dedicated to free thought and open discourse in Arkansas. He founded Free Arkansas to challenge the tyranny of the status quo and foster critical thinking.
Professional Background
- Founding Partner of Magazine Capital, a private equity firm acquiring and growing lower middle market companies across Arkansas and the South
- Active in environmental services and materials recovery, having built and exited multiple vertically integrated solid waste platforms, and today operating Magazine Capital’s AMMCO Solutions (industrial cleaning and maintenance on the Texas Gulf Coast) and AMMCO Recycling (commodity recycling in Northwest Arkansas)
- Founder of Denali Water Solutions, the largest recycler of food waste in the United States and the 22nd largest company in Arkansas, with nearly $1 billion in annual revenue
- Adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Arkansas, teaching acquisition, growth, and operator-led investing
- Owns Jackalope, a bicycle company, and Old Bank, a restaurant, both in Russellville, AR
Education
- B.S. in Accounting, Auburn University
- M.B.A., University of Notre Dame
- Formerly a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Personal Life
A devoted husband to Julie, father of four, and grandfather. He’s passionate about cycling, reading, and skiing.
The Shows
Three formats, one mission: interviews, weekly commentary, and narrative storytelling across Arkansas.
Free Arkansas Podcast
The flagship. Long-form interviews with the Arkansans shaping the state’s policy, business, culture, and civic life. Hosted by Andy McNeill.
Browse episodes →Y’all Hear About This
Unscripted commentary on the week’s Arkansas headlines with Andy McNeill and Misty Hale. No guest, no brief, just the running list.
Browse episodes →Arkansawyers
Real stories. Real people. Eli Cranor sits down with Arkansas’s most prominent voices and the quiet, foundational spirits of its communities.
About the show →The Team
The people behind the microphones, the edits, and the guest list.
Andy McNeill
Founder & Host
Aubrey Holt
Executive Director
Eli Cranor
Host, Arkansawyers
Misty Hale
Production & Tech
Tal Swicegood
Editor
Davis McNeill
Guest Outreach & Marketing
Presley Burgess
Marketing & Social