https://www.freearkansas.com Free Market of Ideas https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/arkansawyers-1-jayme-lemons arkansawyers-1-jayme-lemons Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:44:00 GMT Arkansayers explores the identity of Arkansayers vs. Arkansans through a conversation with Emmy-nominated producer Jayme Lemons. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/state-sen-breanne-davis-on-leadership-education-and-arkansas-future-free-arkansa state-sen-breanne-davis-on-leadership-education-and-arkansas-future-free-arkansa Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:35:43 GMT State Sen. Breanne Davis discusses her leadership role and future plans for Arkansas during a Free Arkansas podcast episode. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/building-a-healthier-arkansas-curtis-barnett building-a-healthier-arkansas-curtis-barnett Wed, 29 Jul 2026 14:59:37 GMT Curtis Barnett from Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield discusses healthcare costs and trends affecting Arkansans in the state's $30 billion healthcare market. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/mike-preston-on-jobs-growth-building-big-things-in-arkansas mike-preston-on-jobs-growth-building-big-things-in-arkansas Wed, 22 Jul 2026 18:41:51 GMT Mike Preston discusses Arkansas' economic growth and infrastructure development, focusing on data centers and construction industry trends. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/jay-brogdon-on-banking-growth-arkansas-economic-future jay-brogdon-on-banking-growth-arkansas-economic-future Sun, 12 Jul 2026 15:11:08 GMT Jay Brogdon discusses the evolution of Simmons Bank and its role in Arkansas' economic growth on Free Arkansas. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/roby-brock-on-arkansas-politics-media-small-town-newspapers roby-brock-on-arkansas-politics-media-small-town-newspapers Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:03:45 GMT Roby Brock discusses his journey from Arkansas politics to media ownership, including small-town newspapers, on the Free Arkansas podcast. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/asa-hutchinson-on-arkansas-trump-ai-what-comes-next asa-hutchinson-on-arkansas-trump-ai-what-comes-next Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:50:52 GMT Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson discusses his career, national debt concerns, and Arkansas's future on Free Arkansas podcast. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/un-fast-fashion-robin-wallis-atkinson-with-upkept un-fast-fashion-robin-wallis-atkinson-with-upkept Sat, 23 May 2026 15:55:14 GMT Robin Wallis Atkinson discusses her company Upkept's mission to repair clothing and reduce textile waste, addressing a shortage in tailoring skills. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/duck-hunting-in-arkansas-george-dunklin-on-five-oaks-conservation-the-flyways duck-hunting-in-arkansas-george-dunklin-on-five-oaks-conservation-the-flyways Tue, 19 May 2026 16:00:20 GMT George Dunklin has spent decades at the center of duck hunting and conservation in Arkansas, from leading Ducks Unlimited to chairing the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to building Five Oaks into one of the most respected hunting lodges in the country. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/the-economy-housing-and-debt-congressman-french-hill the-economy-housing-and-debt-congressman-french-hill Tue, 19 May 2026 15:57:42 GMT Congressman French Hill joins Andy McNeill for a wide-ranging conversation that connects Washington policy to real life in Arkansas, tracing his path from building a bank from scratch to shaping national financial policy and explaining how decisions in D.C. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/whole-health-with-dr-sharmila-makhija whole-health-with-dr-sharmila-makhija Tue, 19 May 2026 15:51:18 GMT In this episode of Free Arkansas, host Andy McNeill sits down with Sharmila Makhija, MD, MBA, the Founding Dean and Chief Executive Officer of the Alice L. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/capitalism-ai-arkansas-what-s-coming-next capitalism-ai-arkansas-what-s-coming-next Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:43:08 GMT What does it actually mean to be a capitalist in today’s world, and what happens when AI starts reshaping the economy faster than we can keep up? https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/breaking-the-cycle-of-youth-incarceration-judge-troy-braswell breaking-the-cycle-of-youth-incarceration-judge-troy-braswell Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:11:35 GMT ⚖️ What if the justice system actually worked to keep kids out of prison?In this episode of Free Arkansas, Andy sits down with Circuit Judge Troy Braswell, who’s taking a different approach to juvenile justice. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/getting-ahead-in-arkansas-work-family-and-the-path-forward-with-anna-beth-gorman getting-ahead-in-arkansas-work-family-and-the-path-forward-with-anna-beth-gorman Mon, 06 Apr 2026 02:55:57 GMT What does it actually look like to build a career, raise a family, and get ahead in Arkansas today?Andy sits down with Anna Beth Gorman, CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, for a wide-ranging conversation about work, money, and opportunity across the state.They get into:💸 https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/the-buffalo-river-story-arkansas-s-crown-jewel-with-mike-mills the-buffalo-river-story-arkansas-s-crown-jewel-with-mike-mills Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:21:12 GMT Today on Free Arkansas , we’re talking about the Buffalo River, one of the most iconic places in the state and the first national river in the United States. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/inside-higher-ed-a-student-s-take-jaxon-hatfield inside-higher-ed-a-student-s-take-jaxon-hatfield Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:24:26 GMT What does college actually look like for students right now?We hear a lot from administrators, lawmakers, and university leaders. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/the-return-of-aq-chicken-jacob-lively the-return-of-aq-chicken-jacob-lively Thu, 19 Mar 2026 02:57:03 GMT In this episode of Free Arkansas, Andy McNeill talks with Jacob Lively about bringing AQ Chicken back to downtown Springdale and why the iconic Arkansas restaurant still means so much to people across the state. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/big-data-ai-and-arkansas-entrepreneurship-charles-morgan big-data-ai-and-arkansas-entrepreneurship-charles-morgan Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:57:33 GMT 💡 What does it take to build a technology company in Arkansas — and keep building new ones decades later? https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/arkansas-election-law-foia-and-government-transparency-jennifer-standerfer arkansas-election-law-foia-and-government-transparency-jennifer-standerfer Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:28:30 GMT Andy sits down with Northwest Arkansas attorney Jennifer Standerfer to talk through the nuts and bolts of Arkansas government and election law.Jennifer is the founder of Waymack Standerfer Law, a former prosecutor and public defender, and a former legislative candidate. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/what-do-constables-actually-do-state-of-the-union-reactions-y-all-hear-about-thi what-do-constables-actually-do-state-of-the-union-reactions-y-all-hear-about-thi Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:55:21 GMT Ever get to the ballot and hit a race you know nothing about? This week, Andy McNeill and Misty Hale break down a little known elected position and react to the latest State of the Union.👇 Here’s what y’all hear about this week:🗳️ What constables actually do in Arkansas🤷 How vote https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/whit-nicholson-on-craft-cocktails-hospitality-and-the-growing-nwa-bar-scene whit-nicholson-on-craft-cocktails-hospitality-and-the-growing-nwa-bar-scene Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:47:28 GMT Annabelle Wright and Kate McNeill sit down with Whit Nicholson, bar manager at Guisinger Cocktail Club, to talk about how Northwest Arkansas is building big-city hospitality right here at home.From launching a cocktail bar from day one… to the growth of the NWA food and nightlife https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/early-voting-begins-guthrie-kidnapping-more-y-all-hear-about-that early-voting-begins-guthrie-kidnapping-more-y-all-hear-about-that Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:34:54 GMT 🚨 In this week’s Y’all Hear About That, Andy McNeill's talking politics and Misty Hale's still thinking about the Nancy Guthrie investigation. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/arkansas-justice-prisons-and-the-cost-of-locking-people-up-sarah-moore arkansas-justice-prisons-and-the-cost-of-locking-people-up-sarah-moore Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:13:59 GMT 🚨 Arkansas has one of the highest incarceration rates in America. So what’s behind it?Andy McNeill sits down with Fayetteville City Council member and Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition founder Sarah Moore to talk prisons, mental health, sentencing laws, and what real justice refo https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/keeping-arkansas-moving-ardot-director-jared-wiley keeping-arkansas-moving-ardot-director-jared-wiley Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:37:40 GMT Arkansas roads affect every one of us: safety, economic growth, travel, and daily life. So what actually goes into keeping the state moving?In this episode of Free Arkansas, Andy McNeill sits down with Arkansas Department of Transportation Director Jared Wiley to talk about the s https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/arkansas-roots-songwriting-and-coming-home-jd-clayton arkansas-roots-songwriting-and-coming-home-jd-clayton Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:11:56 GMT Annabelle Wright and Kate McNeill sit down with Arkansas singer-songwriter JD Clayton for an honest conversation about music, family, and the pull of home.JD talks about growing up in Fort Smith, leaving Arkansas to chase music in Nashville, and why he ultimately came back. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/fourth-generation-farming-rice-and-the-business-of-agriculture-jennifer-james fourth-generation-farming-rice-and-the-business-of-agriculture-jennifer-james Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:08:18 GMT In this episode of Free Arkansas, Andy McNeill sits down with Jennifer James, a fourth-generation farmer from Newport, Arkansas, to talk about the past, present, and future of American agriculture.Jennifer helps run a 130-year-old Arkansas Century Farm, serves on the Riceland Foo https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/bryan-sanders-on-outdoor-recreation-conservation-arkansas-s-future bryan-sanders-on-outdoor-recreation-conservation-arkansas-s-future Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:11:14 GMT Host Andy McNeill sits down with Bryan Sanders, Arkansas’s First Gentleman, for an in-depth conversation about the outdoors, conservation, and why Arkansas is emerging as a premier destination for outdoor recreation.Bryan shares personal stories about falling in love with Arkansa https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/2026-predictions-dumb-phones-pipe-smoking-and-rogue-ai 2026-predictions-dumb-phones-pipe-smoking-and-rogue-ai Tue, 06 Jan 2026 19:00:16 GMT Andy McNeill and Misty Hale kick off the new year by talking through the cultural trends, tech shifts, and strange predictions already floating around. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/dr-jim-carr-higher-education-cost-and-the-future-of-the-state dr-jim-carr-higher-education-cost-and-the-future-of-the-state Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:58:31 GMT Andy McNeill sits down with Dr. Jim Carr for a wide-ranging conversation on higher education in Arkansas, based on Dr. Carr’s decades as a university leader and service on state and federal boards.The discussion starts with how Dr. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/arkansas-christmas-towns-and-mary-jane arkansas-christmas-towns-and-mary-jane Tue, 23 Dec 2025 20:21:26 GMT It’s almost Christmas, and in this episode Andy McNeill and Misty Hale are feeling festive while still talking about what’s happening in Arkansas and beyond.🎁 In this episode:🎄 Arkansas towns with Christmas-sounding names like Snowball, Holly Grove, and Star City😂 A hilarious Chr https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/dr-tyler-tarver-education-ai-the-future-of-learning dr-tyler-tarver-education-ai-the-future-of-learning Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:55:51 GMT In this episode of Free Arkansas, Andy McNeill sits down with Dr. Tyler Tarver-- educator, entrepreneur, and one of the most-followed teacher voices online-- to talk about where education is headed in an AI-driven world. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/citizen-power-court-rulings-protecting-kids-y-all-hear-about-this citizen-power-court-rulings-protecting-kids-y-all-hear-about-this Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:02:32 GMT In this episode, Andy and Misty dig into two big Arkansas stories: 🧑‍⚖️ A major Supreme Court decision that shifts the balance between direct democracy and legislative power 😢 And a series of troubling child maltreatment cases that have legislators demanding answers. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/from-campus-to-capitol-maria-markham-s-unexpected-political-journey from-campus-to-capitol-maria-markham-s-unexpected-political-journey Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:40:27 GMT Dr. Maria Markham sits down with Andy for an honest look at higher education in Arkansas — the politics she never expected to walk into, the funding fights nobody sees, the pressure colleges face from every direction, and why welding instructors were sometimes making more than sh https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/rep-david-ray-tax-cuts-growth-strategy-arkansas-future rep-david-ray-tax-cuts-growth-strategy-arkansas-future Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:05:25 GMT State Rep. David Ray sits down with Andy for a wide-ranging conversation about tax policy, economic competitiveness, and what it takes to keep Arkansas moving forward. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/airplane-etiquette-spotify-ages-classic-books airplane-etiquette-spotify-ages-classic-books Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:16:17 GMT In this week’s episode of Y’all Hear About This, Andy and Misty swap stories on travel culture, Spotify’s “listening age,” and why classic movies and books are having a moment,.In this episode:✈️ The Transportation Secretary’s “civility campaign” — Should people dress up more on https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/hallie-shoffner-farming-hunger-and-the-future-of-arkansas hallie-shoffner-farming-hunger-and-the-future-of-arkansas Wed, 26 Nov 2025 18:02:03 GMT In this episode of Free Arkansas, Andy sits down with Hallie Shoffner, a Democratic primary candidate for U.S. Senate and a fifth-generation Delta farmer whose family just closed their 150-year-old farm. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/getting-to-know-senator-tom-cotton-beyond-the-headlines getting-to-know-senator-tom-cotton-beyond-the-headlines Wed, 26 Nov 2025 18:00:24 GMT Andy sits down with U.S. Senator Tom Cotton for a wide-ranging conversation. You'll hear about marathon training and Ranger School leadership lessons, baseball loyalties, China, AI, and what life is like chairing the Intelligence Committee. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/mud-motors-pontoon-blinds-a-little-arkansas-civility mud-motors-pontoon-blinds-a-little-arkansas-civility Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:16:08 GMT On this episode of Y’all Hear About This , Andy and Misty jump into the start of duck season, the chaos of mud motors on public ground, and why pontoon blinds at Sunken Lands WMA have become a big headache for Arkansas Game & Fish. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/inside-arkansas-game-fish-with-commissioner-bill-jones inside-arkansas-game-fish-with-commissioner-bill-jones Tue, 18 Nov 2025 22:02:32 GMT Andy sits down with Game & Fish Commissioner Bill Jones for a conversation on what's happening in Arkansas woods and waters — from WMAs to trophy bass programs to the future of duck season. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/bill-jones-how-sissy-s-log-cabin-became-an-arkansas-icon bill-jones-how-sissy-s-log-cabin-became-an-arkansas-icon Mon, 17 Nov 2025 23:31:29 GMT Andy McNeill sits down with Bill Jones, CEO of Sissy’s Log Cabin, to talk about the remarkable rise of one of Arkansas’ most beloved family businesses. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/birds-owls-and-northern-lights-over-arkans birds-owls-and-northern-lights-over-arkans Wed, 12 Nov 2025 20:11:08 GMT In this episode of Y’all Hear About This, Andy and Misty talk about some of the natural wonders lighting up the Natural State this week — from the state bird to the Northern Lights!They swap stories about birdwatching with the Merlin app, rare sightings across Arkansas (including https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/breakfast-interesting-races-deer-season-in-arkansas breakfast-interesting-races-deer-season-in-arkansas Fri, 07 Nov 2025 20:32:34 GMT It’s Misty’s favorite time of year — political season — and Andy’s thinking about breakfast and tee times. From expensive state races to new primary rules that could surprise voters, this week’s Y’all Hear About This? https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/onyx-coffee-building-a-life-you-love-in-nwa onyx-coffee-building-a-life-you-love-in-nwa Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:05:39 GMT Today, we hand the mic to Andy’s daughters, Annabelle Wright and Kate McNeill , for a special conversation with someone redefining Arkansas culture and community: Andrea Allen , co-founder of Onyx Coffee Lab and the 2020 U.S. Barista Champion . https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/halloween-in-arkansas-filibuster-history-childcare-money-and-a-small-town-touchd halloween-in-arkansas-filibuster-history-childcare-money-and-a-small-town-touchd Fri, 31 Oct 2025 20:42:47 GMT Happy Halloween, Arkansas! Grab some candy and jump in.⚖️ Filibuster fightShould 51 votes be enough to pass laws or keep the 60 vote rule?We kick around differing options on the filibuster.💵 Childcare funding pullbackPandemic money is drying up and that's impact childcare subsidi https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/the-scary-truth-about-ai the-scary-truth-about-ai Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:25:31 GMT 🤖⚠️ AI is moving faster than any tech in history … and the future might be a little scarier than we think. Andy breaks down where AI is heading, why the U.S. has to win this race, and what the world looks like when machines get smarter than the smartest humans. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/black-panther-sightings-in-arkansas-you-sent-more-than-100-stories-and-today-we- black-panther-sightings-in-arkansas-you-sent-more-than-100-stories-and-today-we- Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:17:37 GMT Arkansas, we need to talk about your woods. 👀🌲 We asked for Black Panther stories and y’all absolutely delivered. From the Ozarks to the Delta, deer camps, farm roads, lake shores, hollers, porches, and midnight fishing trips… Arkansans have seen things. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/fall-football-funny-videos-y-all-hear-about-this fall-football-funny-videos-y-all-hear-about-this Mon, 27 Oct 2025 20:13:28 GMT Fall has finally hit Arkansas! Andy and Misty talk about fall weather, college football chaos, and what the new NIL world means for schools like Arkansas. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/meet-the-candidates-district-52-republican-primary meet-the-candidates-district-52-republican-primary Mon, 27 Oct 2025 19:32:40 GMT Four candidates. One open seat. The race to replace the retiring Rep. Marcus Richmond is gearing up in Arkansas House District 52 — and we’ve got them all right here.🎙️ In this episode, Andy McNeill sits down with Brent Montgomery, Crystal Malloy, Mike Jones, and Kristain Thompso https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/y-all-hear-about-that-bears-black-panthers-the-founding-fathers y-all-hear-about-that-bears-black-panthers-the-founding-fathers Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:36:15 GMT Andy and Misty are back with another “Y’all Hear About That?” — a look at what’s happening across Arkansas this week.From bear attacks 🐻 to mountain lions, Misty’s got all the wild stories from around the state. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/free-arkansas-frank-lawrence-on-building-community-through-fitness free-arkansas-frank-lawrence-on-building-community-through-fitness Mon, 20 Oct 2025 21:25:47 GMT In this episode, Andy sits down with Frank Lawrence, CEO and co-owner of The Athletic Clubs, to talk about how fitness, leadership, and community all intersect.They cover:💪 Frank’s journey from community banker to health club entrepreneur🏃‍♀️ How the clubs have become hubs for co https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/y-all-hear-about-this-books-bad-bunny-the-hector-wildcats y-all-hear-about-this-books-bad-bunny-the-hector-wildcats Tue, 14 Oct 2025 16:54:17 GMT Andy and Misty are back — and this week they’re talking about everything from falling test scores to football scores. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/from-the-delta-to-dynasty-the-life-and-lessons-of-john-l-conner-jr from-the-delta-to-dynasty-the-life-and-lessons-of-john-l-conner-jr Mon, 13 Oct 2025 18:21:40 GMT Free Arkansas Podcast | Hosted by Andy McNeillJohn L. Conner Jr. is one of Arkansas’ most accomplished farm entrepreneurs — from buying his first 520-acre farm in 1972 for $325 an acre to leading one of the state’s largest John Deere dealership networks and building a family dyna https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/fat-generals-college-compacts-online-bullies-andy-mcneill-misty-hale fat-generals-college-compacts-online-bullies-andy-mcneill-misty-hale Thu, 09 Oct 2025 19:46:23 GMT In this week’s episode of Free Arkansas , Andy and Misty tackle some of the biggest national headlines — and what they mean for Arkansas and beyond. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/free-arkansas-dr-hunter-biram-on-arkansas-agriculture free-arkansas-dr-hunter-biram-on-arkansas-agriculture Wed, 08 Oct 2025 18:24:30 GMT 🌾 Arkansas farming is the backbone of our economy — but what does it really look like in 2025? In this episode, Andy McNeill talks with Dr. Hunter Biram , ag economist at the University of Arkansas, about the numbers behind farming and the people living it every day. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/free-arkansas-bryan-day-on-the-port-of-little-rock free-arkansas-bryan-day-on-the-port-of-little-rock Tue, 23 Sep 2025 02:15:02 GMT The Port of Little Rock isn’t just a dock on the river—it’s a 5,000-acre industrial hub that’s home to 53 businesses and more than 11,000 jobs. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/free-arkansas-podcast-bentonville-s-business-boom-with-eric-howerton-andy-wilson free-arkansas-podcast-bentonville-s-business-boom-with-eric-howerton-andy-wilson Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:09:36 GMT Northwest Arkansas is on the rise — and Bentonville is at the center of it all. In this episode, Andy McNeill sits down with Eric Howerton and Andy Wilson , the voices behind Doing Business in Bentonville , to talk Walmart, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of one of A https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/hugh-mcdonald-powering-arkansas-future hugh-mcdonald-powering-arkansas-future Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:49:06 GMT Guest: Hugh McDonald, Arkansas Secretary of Commerce (former CEO of Entergy Arkansas) Arkansas is in an arms race for jobs ⚡️. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/entrepreneurship-in-arkansas-jeff-amerine-on-startups-grit-growth entrepreneurship-in-arkansas-jeff-amerine-on-startups-grit-growth Mon, 18 Aug 2025 15:18:26 GMT What does it really take to start, scale, and survive as an entrepreneur in Arkansas? In this episode of Free Arkansas , Andy McNeill sits down with serial entrepreneur, investor, and Startup Junkie founder Jeff Amerine . https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/judge-valarie-clark-on-the-lithium-boom judge-valarie-clark-on-the-lithium-boom Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:12:04 GMT South Arkansas is on the verge of a lithium boom — and Lafayette County Judge Valarie Clark is at the center of it all. In this episode, Andy McNeill and Rep. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/free-arkansas-todd-simmons-from-simmons-foods free-arkansas-todd-simmons-from-simmons-foods Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:52:50 GMT In this episode of Free Arkansas, Andy McNeill sits down with Todd Simmons, CEO of Simmons Foods — one of Arkansas’s largest private companies — for a deep dive into the intersection of business, community, and policy in the Natural State.From running a multi-billion-dollar food https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/free-arkansas-congressman-bruce-westerman-on-immigration-debt-energy-and-ai free-arkansas-congressman-bruce-westerman-on-immigration-debt-energy-and-ai Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:26:48 GMT Congressman Bruce Westerman joins Andy McNeill for a wide-ranging conversation on immigration, the national debt, energy policy, and AI. They dig into Arkansas's economic growth challenges, the labor shortage, border security, and how federal policy impacts the state. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/june-24-arkansas-daily-briefing june-24-arkansas-daily-briefing Tue, 24 Jun 2025 18:35:39 GMT What you need to know today: 🗳️ Fred Love Enters Governor’s Race The term-limited Democratic senator launches a 2026 bid. 🔫 Bryant Family Triple Homicide A man is charged with killing his sister and parents. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/arkansas-daily-briefing-june-23-2025 arkansas-daily-briefing-june-23-2025 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:10:47 GMT 🗳️ Arkansas GOP Moves to Close Primaries, Student Loan Contract Rejected, & EFA Funding Approved — June 23 ⚠️ Arkansas Republican Party votes to block Democrats from GOP primaries. 💰 Major hikes in candidate filing fees. 📉 Legislative Council nixes $1M loan forgiveness contract. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/free-state-arkansas-dr-robert-maranto-on-education-bureaucracy-free-speech free-state-arkansas-dr-robert-maranto-on-education-bureaucracy-free-speech Mon, 23 Jun 2025 17:47:57 GMT In this thought-provoking episode of Free Arkansas, Andy McNeill sits down with Dr. Robert Maranto from the University of Arkansas to cover everything from school choice and education reform to postmodernism, bureaucracy, and campus free speech.🚨 Dr. Maranto pulls no punches. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/summer-solstice-arkansas-headlines-arkansas-daily-briefing-june-20-2025 summer-solstice-arkansas-headlines-arkansas-daily-briefing-june-20-2025 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 15:50:02 GMT ☀️ Summer Solstice & Arkansas Headlines | Arkansas Daily Briefing – June 20, 2025 Happy Summer Solstice! It’s the longest day of the year in Arkansas — and we’ve got a packed Daily Briefing to match. Here’s what’s making news this Friday, June 20: 🚨 Fayetteville vs. ICE? https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/thursday-june-19-arkansas-daily-briefing thursday-june-19-arkansas-daily-briefing Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:16:05 GMT Today on the Arkansas Daily Briefing:🎯 Nearly $1M for Student Loan Help?A controversial $917K contract to help state employees navigate student loan forgiveness moves forward. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/june-18-arkansas-daily-briefing june-18-arkansas-daily-briefing Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:18:32 GMT Good morning, Arkansas! From missing persons to political shakeups, school choice funding, and Razorback baseball in Omaha. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/arkansas-daily-briefing-june-17-2025 arkansas-daily-briefing-june-17-2025 Tue, 17 Jun 2025 21:42:19 GMT 📢 Today on the Arkansas Daily Briefing – June 17, 2025🧑‍⚖️ Library Book Law Back in CourtThe state is appealing a federal judge’s ruling that struck down parts of Act 372, Arkansas’ controversial library materials law. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/inside-northwest-arkansas-growth-with-marshall-saviers-free-arkansas inside-northwest-arkansas-growth-with-marshall-saviers-free-arkansas Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:08:46 GMT In this episode of Free Enterprise Arkansas , host Andy McNeill sits down with Marshall Saviers — CEO of Sage Partners and co-founder of Natural Capital Partners — for a deep dive into what’s fueling the explosive growth of Northwest Arkansas. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/arkansas-daily-briefing-friday-june-13-2025 arkansas-daily-briefing-friday-june-13-2025 Fri, 13 Jun 2025 16:06:30 GMT It’s Friday the 13th, and we’re covering everything from spooky superstitions to serious headlines across Arkansas. 🐕Pitbulls are the culprits in 15-year-old's death in Saline County. 🪦 Little Rock is ordered to follow the law after removing a Confederate monument. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/arkansas-daily-briefing-june-13-2025 arkansas-daily-briefing-june-13-2025 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:00:19 GMT Today’s episode covers major news from across the state — from legal battles and political spats to tragedy and baseball.⛪ Ten Commandments Lawsuit Hits Federal CourtA group of Arkansas families is suing to block Act 573, the new state law requiring public schools and libraries t https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/arkansas-daily-briefing-june-11-2025 arkansas-daily-briefing-june-11-2025 Wed, 11 Jun 2025 22:09:28 GMT Full Moon, Full News Cycle 🌕🍓 On today’s episode: 🍬 Arkansas becomes one of the first states approved to ban junk food, soda, and candy from SNAP benefits. ⚖️ Senator Fred Love’s lawsuit against Pulaski County gets tossed. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/arkansas-daily-briefing-june-9-2025 arkansas-daily-briefing-june-9-2025 Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:58:26 GMT 📢 Arkansas ranks 45th in child well-being — again. We break down the brutal stats in this year’s Kids Count report. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/free-state-arkansas-rep-lee-johnson free-state-arkansas-rep-lee-johnson Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:51:24 GMT From the ER to the State Capitol — Arkansas Rep. Dr. Lee Johnson joins Free Arkansas for a wide-ranging, no-nonsense look at the state of healthcare in Arkansas.📉 Arkansas ranks 47th in overall healthcare — and Dr. Johnson explains exactly why. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/arkansas-daily-briefing-june-5-2025 arkansas-daily-briefing-june-5-2025 Thu, 05 Jun 2025 16:20:42 GMT Beige Book Breakdown, Medicaid Reform, Outdoor School, and More In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the latest Federal Reserve Beige Book report — and what it says about Arkansas’ economic outlook. Spoiler: we’re holding steady, but there’s plenty of warning signs. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/arkansas-daily-briefing-june-4-2025 arkansas-daily-briefing-june-4-2025 Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:14:43 GMT Today’s top stories in Arkansas: 🗳️ Arkansas ranked #1 for election integrity 🌬️ Newton County bans wind and solar farms🌊 Conway County farmers warn: levees are failing⚖️ AG Griffin refuses race-based Ethics Commission appointment📉 Math teacher prep gets national praise — but sco https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/arkansas-daily-briefing-june-3-2025 arkansas-daily-briefing-june-3-2025 Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:33:51 GMT Today’s episode covers the biggest stories happening across Arkansas — no spin, just facts you won’t hear anywhere else: 🚔 A massage parlor in Hot Springs raided in a human trafficking sting — part of what the AG calls “gray zone warfare” 🛒 16 people arrested in a retail theft sw https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/arkansas-daily-briefing-june-2-2025 arkansas-daily-briefing-june-2-2025 Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:06:31 GMT Omaha dreams, political shakeups, and a manhunt still underway — here’s what’s happening across the Natural State.In today’s episode of Free News Arkansas , we break down: ⚾️ UALR’s Cinderella run: Two big wins in one day, including an upset over LSU 🐗 Razorbacks roll through the https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/free-enterprise-arkansas-w-troy-wells-the-business-and-burden-of-healthcare-in-a free-enterprise-arkansas-w-troy-wells-the-business-and-burden-of-healthcare-in-a Mon, 02 Jun 2025 11:59:06 GMT In this episode of Free Arkansas , host Andy McNeill sits down with Troy Wells, President & CEO of Baptist Health, for a wide-ranging conversation on the challenges and innovations shaping Arkansas’s largest healthcare provider. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/free-news-arkansas-may-30-2025 free-news-arkansas-may-30-2025 Fri, 30 May 2025 15:04:22 GMT In today’s episode of Free News Arkansas – Daily Briefing (May 30, 2025), we’re covering the biggest stories shaping the Natural State: 🛑 $57 million approved for designing a new mega-prison in Franklin County — but lawmakers haven’t even funded the prison yet. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/free-news-arkansas-daily-briefing-may-29-2025 free-news-arkansas-daily-briefing-may-29-2025 Thu, 29 May 2025 14:10:47 GMT Welcome back to your trusted Arkansas news roundup — no spin, no fluff, just the headlines that matter across the Natural State. In today’s episode: 🩺 Medicaid Mess — Over 145,000 Arkansans on Medicaid don’t have a primary care doctor. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/free-enterprise-arkansas-pro-soccer-comes-to-the-ozarks-with-chris-martinovich free-enterprise-arkansas-pro-soccer-comes-to-the-ozarks-with-chris-martinovich Wed, 28 May 2025 14:54:22 GMT In this episode of Free Arkansas, host Andy McNeill sits down with Chris Martinovich, founder of Ozark United — a startup professional soccer club working to bring USL Championship-level play to Northwest Arkansas.From economic impact to community pride, Chris lays out his vision https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/arkansas-daily-briefing-may-28-2025 arkansas-daily-briefing-may-28-2025 Wed, 28 May 2025 14:51:45 GMT Today’s episode dives into some of the biggest stories unfolding across the Natural State:🔋 Lithium Royalty Showdown in Magnolia🧃 SNAP Junk Food Ban Still Pending🦃 Game & Fish Restores Veteran Hunt + Eyes Big Changes🗳️ 2026 Campaigns Begin⚾ Razorbacks Host Regional🌩️ Remembering https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/free-news-arkansas-daily-briefing-may-27-2025 free-news-arkansas-daily-briefing-may-27-2025 Tue, 27 May 2025 16:51:08 GMT Today’s headlines spotlight Arkansas stories that matter — from prison security to dispensary regulations and more. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/free-news-arkansas-daily-briefing-for-may-22-2025 free-news-arkansas-daily-briefing-for-may-22-2025 Tue, 27 May 2025 15:37:48 GMT Straightforward Arkansas news. No spin. Just facts. In today’s episode: 💰 Revenue Forecast Drops – Arkansas lowers its surplus projections, but Finance Secretary Jim Hudson says agriculture could thrive with the right trade deals. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/free-news-arkansas-may-21-2025 free-news-arkansas-may-21-2025 Wed, 21 May 2025 21:31:14 GMT 🎙️ May 21, 2025 — Arkansas News Roundup Door-kicking judges, tornadoes with no warning, and a rapper behind bars in Pope County. We’ve got all that — plus Medicaid debates, turkey season highs, and who's running for Congress in 2026. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/investing-in-arkansas-s-future-brad-henry investing-in-arkansas-s-future-brad-henry Tue, 20 May 2025 20:01:47 GMT Brad Henry has spent his career on the front lines of Arkansas’s economy — from the Arkansas Development Finance Authority to co-founding one of the state’s only private investment firms. In this episode, he joins hosts Andy McNeill and Rep. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/from-5-miles-to-500-how-trails-are-transforming-arkansas from-5-miles-to-500-how-trails-are-transforming-arkansas Fri, 16 May 2025 15:16:34 GMT Gary Vernon on Arkansas’ Trail Revolution🎙️ Free Arkansas Podcast – May 16, 2025Gary Vernon helped turn a small bike trail experiment into a $150+ million-a-year economic engine. In this episode, he joins Andy McNeill and Rep. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/why-not-us-arkansas-education-with-mike-poore why-not-us-arkansas-education-with-mike-poore Wed, 14 May 2025 14:24:24 GMT Mike Poore, longtime Arkansas educator and now EVP at Education Partners, joins Free Arkansas for a deep dive into the current state of K-12 education. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/8-the-hunger-obesity-paradox-in-arkansas 8-the-hunger-obesity-paradox-in-arkansas Fri, 09 May 2025 17:22:30 GMT 📍 Free Arkansas Podcast – Andy McNeill & Rep. Matt Duffield This week’s episode dives deep into a surprising Arkansas contradiction: how can a state rank among the highest in both childhood food insecurity and obesity ? https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/5-inside-the-legislative-session-with-rep-aaron-pilkington 5-inside-the-legislative-session-with-rep-aaron-pilkington Tue, 06 May 2025 12:28:56 GMT In this episode of Free Arkansas, hosts Andy McNeill and Rep. Matt Duffield sit down with Rep. Aaron Pilkington to unpack the highs, lows, and headline-grabbing moments from Arkansas' recently wrapped-up legislative session. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/7-deep-dive-into-education-in-arkansas-w-rep-bruce-cozart 7-deep-dive-into-education-in-arkansas-w-rep-bruce-cozart Mon, 05 May 2025 21:54:03 GMT Education guru Rep. Bruce Cozart joins the show to break down how Arkansas schools are funded, why the current formula is outdated, and what can be done to better serve students statewide.💸 School Funding in Arkansas:Cozart explains that Arkansas schools are funded through an "ad https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/6-rep-bart-schulz-on-arkansas-tornado-relief-homestead-tax-credit-session-highli 6-rep-bart-schulz-on-arkansas-tornado-relief-homestead-tax-credit-session-highli Mon, 05 May 2025 17:00:14 GMT In this episode of the Free Arkansas podcast, hosts Andy McNeill and Rep. Matt Duffield are joined by Rep. Bart Schulz to discuss key topics affecting Arkansas. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/4-4-spring-break-edition-ai-education-and-prisons 4-4-spring-break-edition-ai-education-and-prisons Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:15:27 GMT Free Arkansas hosts Andy McNeill and Rep. Matt Duffield talk AI takeovers, the Department of Education, hefty consulting fees and more in this Spring Break podcast. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/3-3-pope-county-s-public-safety-challenge 3-3-pope-county-s-public-safety-challenge Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:12:25 GMT In this episode of Free Arkansas , Andy McNeill is joined by Representative Matt Duffield, Sheriff Shane Jones, and Judge Ben Cross to discuss the growing public safety challenges facing Pope County. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/2-2-senator-bryan-king-on-prisons-elections-and-arkansas-future 2-2-senator-bryan-king-on-prisons-elections-and-arkansas-future Tue, 11 Mar 2025 20:47:22 GMT In this episode of Free Arkansas, hosts Andy McNeill and Rep. Matt Duffield sit down with Senator Bryan King for a deep dive into some of the most pressing issues facing Arkansas. https://www.freearkansas.com/episodes/1-1-welcome-to-free-arkansas 1-1-welcome-to-free-arkansas Thu, 06 Mar 2025 16:27:13 GMT In this first podcast episode, Andy McNeill and Matt Duffield explore a variety of topics centered around free thinking, critical ideas, and the importance of communication in politics.