Conversations Cocktails + Connections

The downtown Argenta area of North Little Rock has been hopping lately and it’s all due to efforts from The Argenta Downtown Council around the Argenta Outdoor Dining District to help restaurants with the resources they need to offer safe outdoor dining options. We talk with Chris Kent, Executive Director of The Argenta Downtown Council about how the Argenta restaurants pivoted to survive in a pandemic, the recent Argenta Cheese Dip Cha Cha, the Argenta public arts projects, and the upcoming ...

We made a mess in this episode. A mess with our Midnight Margaritas and a mess with our conversations (it is all over the place). But as usual, we had fun. From talking about confidence to a lengthy discussion about Phil Collins, we managed to talk and drink for three hours. But don’t worry, we cut it down to 45 minutes for you. Though we may be feeling a little hungover today. Happy Halloween — stay safe out there. Cheers! Listen wherever you like to listen to podcasts. And DM if you’d like ...

In this episode, we visit with Kathryn Norton, Development Officer for Easterseals Arkansas and Julie Waits, a Guardian board member for Easterseals. The ladies joined us to discuss the work Easterseals does and the upcoming Art & Soul virtual art auction that kicks off on November 7th. Local artists have donated works for auction and the work will be available to view at the Pleasant Ridge Towncenter while all the bidding will take place online for a couple of weeks. There will also be a...

We tried to come with a light, spa-like drink for our latest guest and decided on the Aperol Spritz. We were surprised when we actually liked it! Cassandra Benning is the owner of The Floating Lotus Yoga Studio and Day Spa, which is basically a mecca for self-care. Like many other business owners this year, Cassandra has had to get creative to keep things going. We talk about her Happy Hour Facial Time live online videos, Amy’s inability to touch her toes, and Emily’s resistance to Halloween ...

To celebrate our 50th episode, we drink a nice whisky and reminisce on the podcast + talk show origins, what we’ve learned along the way, and what our dreams are for the future. Cheers!Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/convoscocktailsconnections/ Follow Amy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redbeautylounge/Follow Emily on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyreeves/Support the Show.Follow the podcast on Instagram.Follow Amy on Instagram.Fol...

Our dear friend Amy Turpen joined the show this week to talk about CARE For Animals, a non-profit dedicated to the rescue and adoption and spay/neuter efforts for dogs and cats in central Arkansas. Amy has been the president of the board for two years but has been involved with the organization for many years. It has been a hard year for many non-profits, CARE included. Amy talks to us about the work that CARE does, their current fundraising efforts, and all the ways you can help — from foste...

This week we were delighted to visit with Spencer Jansen, Director of Membership and Visitor Experience at the Arkansas Arts Center and learn all about the plans for the new building as a cultural living room, ways you can interact with the Arts Center during construction, and all the online classes now available. This episode is packed with info about the Arts Center! From the upcoming Museum School stand sale to a special discount code for our listeners to get $20 off any membership level (...

Big thank you to 42 Bar and Table, the Clinton Center, Thomas Spencer, and Ben Thielemier for hosting our latest episode! We finally had a real bartender teach us some things about cocktail making as Thomas Spencer whipped up a couple of classic cocktails for us: a Vieux Carré and an Aviation. “Citrus for cocktails is like salt for food.” Brilliant! Thomas talked to us about all the changes at 42 Bar and Table and the measures that are now in place so everyone can dine safely. We th...

Glenn McCracken is the owner of SparkFit, a wellness coach, AND a therapist. Glenn’s experience and history make him well-positioned to do all these things — from soccer and baseball, to cheerleading and bodybuilding, this former Mr. Teen Arkansas has done all the things. We talk about how business and therapy have changed during the pandemic and he even quizzes us on our food and beverage knowledge at the end. Learn more about SparkFit at https://www.sparkfitlr.com/. Cheers! Follow Glen...

After mixing up fresh margaritas, we connect with our favorite pilates instructors! Core Concept Fitness owner Emily Allen and manager Taylor McIntyre visit with us about their expanded studio offerings and the classes they have available (and fun theme classes on the horizon). The body can get complacent doing the same routine, so Emily and Taylor work to make sure everyone gets stronger with each workout (we can give first-hand testimony to this fact). If you are interested in a special off...