🎯 In this inspiring episode of the Discover Fort Smith Podcast, hosts Josh and Ashley sit down with Jason Baggett, the visionary behind the Arkansas Outdoor Expo, coming to the Fort Smith Convention Center in January 2026. From growing up in a small-town pharmacy run by his parents to becoming a passionate advocate for the outdoors, Jason shares his journey of community, perseverance, and purpose.

Learn how his family’s history of entrepreneurship, faith, and community service shaped his vision for launching an outdoor expo in Fort Smith—a dream built to unite families, celebrate outdoor heritage, and support local and regional businesses. Hear all about what to expect from the expo: hunting, fishing, boating, apparel, kid-friendly attractions, and even celebrity guests from the outdoor world!

Jason’s story is one of resilience, heart, and deep roots in the River Valley. Whether you’re a local business owner, outdoor enthusiast, or community builder, this episode will leave you inspired to support big dreams right here in Fort Smith.

Relevant Links:

• Arkansas Outdoor Expo: https://www.arkansasoutdoorexpo.com

• Fort Smith Convention Center: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-convention-center

• Central Mall Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/central-mall

• Fort Smith National Historic Site: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-national-historic-site

• Texas Roadhouse Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/texas-roadhouse

• George’s Restaurant: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/georges-restaurant

• Butcher Block: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/butcher-block

🎙️ In this episode of the Discover Fort Smith Podcast, hosts Josh and Ashley sit down with the vibrant and multi-talented Rachel Testa, a driving force behind The Bakery District and The Mill co-working space. Born and raised in Fort Smith, Rachel shares her inspiring journey from serving tables to spearheading major events like Street Fest and creating community connections through co-working innovation.

Learn how Rachel and the team are reshaping downtown Fort Smith into a lively, inclusive hub with everything from cornhole tournaments and trivia nights, to vendor festivals, live music, and Miss America appearances! 🌟

She also dives into her love for Caroline Cross Park, her involvement with local foundations, and the growing downtown ecosystem—showing how collaboration over competition is helping Fort Smith thrive. This episode is packed with heart, local pride, and inspiration for anyone looking to get more involved in the community. 💬✨

Relevant Links:

• The Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-district

• Caroline Cross Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/caroline-cross-park

• Fort Smith Coffee Co.: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-coffee-co

• AJ’s Oyster House: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/ajs-oyster-house

• Peacemaker Festival: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/peacemaker-music-festival

• Fort Smith Symphony: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-symphony

• National Historic Site (Nearby): https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-national-historic-site

In this episode of the Discover Fort Smith Podcast, we sit down with Sam Hanna — a Fort Smith native, entrepreneur, and community leader involved with KW Properties, Hanna Oil and Gas, and the Fort Smith Parks and Recreation Commission. Sam shares his journey from Colorado to Austin and back home to Fort Smith, where he’s helping transform the city through visionary projects like the Bakery District and The Mill co-working space.

We dive into the importance of community buy-in, revitalization of downtown Fort Smith, and how creative use of space can turn an old building into a hub for innovation, culture, and connection. Sam also discusses his role on the Parks and Recreation Commission and his hopes for future projects like the Acme Brick Park and the continued development of green spaces, biking trails, and more.

If you’re curious about where Fort Smith is headed and how local leaders are building a brighter, more inclusive future, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Relevant Links:

• Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-district

• The Mill Co-Working Space: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/the-mill

• Fort Smith Parks & Trails: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/parks-and-trails

• Creekmore Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/creekmore-park

• Ben Geren Regional Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/ben-geren-regional-park

• John Bell Jr. Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/john-bell-jr-park

• Riverfront Trail / Greg Smith River Trail: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/greg-smith-river-trail

• Fort Smith Coffee Co: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-coffee-co

• Fort Smith Regional Art Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-regional-art-museum

• Fort Smith National Historic Site: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-national-historic-site

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Jennifer Hallum, President and CEO of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas, shares her personal and professional journey from small-town Oklahoma roots to leading one of Fort Smith’s most impactful nonprofit organizations.

Jennifer opens up about her family’s experiences caring for aging parents, her early memories of visiting senior centers with her grandmother, and how those moments shaped her passion for helping others. She explains how the Area Agency on Aging provides vital programs — from transportation and home health to the new GUIDE Program for Alzheimer’s care — all designed to help families “know us before you need us.”

Packed with laughter, heart, and local flavor, this episode also explores Fort Smith’s strong sense of community, favorite local restaurants like Diamond Head No. 2 and George’s, and the people who make this city a place of compassion and connection.

Relevant Links (from DiscoverFortSmith.com):

• Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/area-agency-on-aging

• Fort Smith Little Theatre: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-little-theatre

• National U.S. Marshals Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/national-us-marshals-museum

• Fort Smith Symphony: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-symphony

• George’s Restaurant: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/georges-restaurant

• The Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-district

Meet Rhyan “River Boy” Besco — a Fort Smith native, hit songwriter, and music visionary who’s bringing national-level creativity back home. From starting his first rap group at Ramsey Junior High to writing platinum records in Los Angeles for global artists, Rhyan shares his incredible journey of faith, persistence, and purpose.

In this inspiring episode, Rhyan talks about signing with major labels, writing “Phases” (now with 100M+ streams), and collaborating with Disney and K-pop artists — before returning to Fort Smith to build a thriving creative community. Hear how he’s mentoring local talent, producing shows like Know Your City, and leading new cultural events like the Solis Awards and S.O.S. River Boy II concert at The Majestic.

If you love music, community, and big dreams taking root in small towns, this episode will remind you why Fort Smith is worth believing in.

Relevant Links (from DiscoverFortSmith.com):

• The Majestic: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/the-majestic

• Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-district

• Fort Smith Museum of History: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-museum-of-history

• Fort Smith Regional Art Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-regional-art-museum

• Choctaw Casino (nearby partner venue): https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/choctaw-casino

• Main Street Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/main-street-fort-smith

Step inside one of Fort Smith’s most unique historical landmarks — Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum — with guest Angel Tracy, the museum’s manager and passionate historian. In this episode, Angel shares fascinating stories about the women who shaped this space, from Miss Laura and Bertha to the many who followed, revealing how this former brothel became a vital part of women’s history and Fort Smith’s cultural heritage.

Discover how the museum preserves the past while connecting it to modern issues such as human trafficking awareness, and get a sneak peek into upcoming events like the Radium Girls Paint & Sip, Christmas Nouveau Soiree, and the Women’s History Month “Coming to Current” room.

Join us for an eye-opening conversation that honors the women who helped build Fort Smith — one story at a time.

Relevant Links (from DiscoverFortSmith.com):

• Miss Laura’s Visitor Center & Brothel Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/miss-lauras-visitor-center

• Fort Smith Museum of History: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-museum-of-history

• Fort Smith Regional Art Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-regional-art-museum

• Bakery District (local event venue often featured): https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-district

• Fort Smith National Historic Site: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-national-historic-site

In this episode of Discover Fort Smith, we sit down with Adonis Wilson, vocal music teacher and marketing coordinator at the Institute for the Creative Arts (ICA). From nearly pursuing a career on cruise ships to becoming a passionate educator in Fort Smith, Adonis shares his inspiring story of choosing to stay and invest in the community.

We dive into the vision of ICA as Arkansas’ only immersive arts charter school, offering tracks in vocal music, theater, digital art, film, and more. Adonis explains how ICA helps creative students thrive, the importance of confidence in performance, and why Fort Smith is becoming a hub for arts and culture.

From student performances like Chicago and Sister Act, to the city’s growing trail system and vibrant small business scene, this episode shows how education and creativity are shaping the River Valley’s future.

Relevant Links:

• Institute for the Creative Arts: https://icafortsmith.org

• Community School of the Arts: https://www.csafortsmith.org

• King Opera House: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/king-opera-house

• Fort Smith Regional Art Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-regional-art-museum

• Fort Smith National Historic Site: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-national-historic-site

• Fort Smith Museum of History: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-museum-of-history

• Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-district

• Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-symphony

• Chaffee Crossing Trails: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/chaffee-crossing

In this episode of Discover Fort Smith, meet Joanna Hernandez, social media coordinator for Discover Fort Smith and proud Fort Smith native. Joanna shares her journey from Southside High School to UAFS, where she earned recognition for academic excellence in graphic design, to becoming the voice of Fort Smith online.

She opens up about staying rooted in her hometown, capturing its diversity, spotlighting hidden gems, and creating content that reflects the true spirit of the community. From food trucks and cultural festivals to behind-the-scenes campaigns and unfiltered conversations, Joanna explains how storytelling and fresh perspectives can inspire residents and visitors alike.

This is a must-listen for anyone who loves Fort Smith or wants to see how the next generation of leaders is shaping its future.

Relevant Links:

• University of Arkansas – Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/university-of-arkansas-fort-smith

• Fort Smith Regional Art Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-regional-art-museum

• National U.S. Marshals Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/national-us-marshals-museum

• Fort Smith Museum of History: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-museum-of-history

• Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-district

• Fort Smith National Historic Site: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-national-historic-site

• Clayton House: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/clayton-house

• Carol Ann Cross Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/carol-ann-cross-park

• Creekmore Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/creekmore-park

In this episode of Discover Fort Smith, we sit down with Chancellor Teresa Riley of the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith. A first-generation college student who worked her way through school, Dr. Riley shares her inspiring journey to becoming chancellor and her passion for making higher education accessible and transformative.

We discuss how UAFS supports first-generation and Pell Grant–eligible students, the $85 million capital campaign, and exciting new initiatives in healthcare, engineering, and data science. Dr. Riley also talks about the vibrant student life on campus, community partnerships, and why investing in UAFS means investing in the future of the River Valley.

Whether you’re a parent, student, or community member, this conversation is full of encouragement, vision, and Fort Smith pride.

Relevant Links:

• University of Arkansas – Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/university-of-arkansas-fort-smith

• Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-symphony

• Fort Smith Regional Art Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-regional-art-museum

• National U.S. Marshals Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/national-us-marshals-museum

• Fort Smith Museum of History: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-museum-of-history

• Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-district

• Fort Smith National Historic Site: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-national-historic-site

• Clayton House: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/clayton-house

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Shadow Robinson, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Success at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith. From starting college at just 16 to earning a PhD in theoretical physics, Dr. Robinson shares his journey from scientist to educational leader.

We dive into UAFS initiatives that prepare students for real-world careers, new programs in healthcare and engineering, the importance of communication skills, and the university’s strong partnerships with local industries. Beyond academics, Dr. Robinson talks about student life on campus, athletics, coffee culture, and his love for the arts and Fort Smith’s vibrant food scene.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or community member, this episode highlights how UAFS is shaping the future of the River Valley — one student at a time.

Relevant Links:

• University of Arkansas – Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/university-of-arkansas-fort-smith

• Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-symphony

• Fort Smith Regional Art Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-regional-art-museum

• Fort Smith National Historic Site: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-national-historic-site

• National U.S. Marshals Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/national-us-marshals-museum

• Fort Smith Museum of History: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-museum-of-history

• Clayton House: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/clayton-house

• Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-district