What happens when passion meets purpose? In this episode, we sit down with Emily Treadaway, a dynamic leader whose energy, fundraising talent, and ability to connect people are transforming Fort Smith’s nonprofit landscape.

Now leading the Center for Nonprofits at the UAFS Center for Economic Development, Emily shares how she’s helping strengthen a community already rich in volunteerism. From building meaningful connections to putting resources to work where they matter most, her impact is felt across the region.

Recorded at The Bakery District, this conversation highlights the power of community, collaboration, and finding the role that truly fits. If you care about nonprofit leadership, community growth, or simply love stories of people making a difference—this episode is for you.

📍 Filmed at The Bakery District – The Cooler Room
🤝 In partnership with the City of Fort Smith, Arkansas

Relevant Links:

• The Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-district
• University of Arkansas – Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/university-of-arkansas-fort-smith
• Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (community & culture connection): https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-regional-art-museum
• Fort Smith National Historic Site: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-national-historic-site
• The Unexpected (public art & community collaboration): https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/the-unexpected

In this episode of the Discover Fort Smith podcast, we sit down with Zachary Hall—better known as Arkansas Storm Tracker—to talk about the wild world of storm chasing, forecasting, and building one of the fastest-growing weather platforms in the state.

Zachary shares how his passion for weather started as a kid drawing tornadoes, eventually leading to a full-time storm chasing career capturing footage for major networks like CNN and NBC. From close calls with tornadoes and hurricanes to the realities of chasing storms for a living, this conversation dives deep into both the thrill and the danger.

We also explore his transition from storm chasing to launching the Arkansas Weather Network, how he’s using social media to keep Arkansans informed in real-time, and why he chose to stay rooted in the Fort Smith region.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to chase a tornado—or how weather forecasting is evolving—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Relevant Links:

• Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-district
• 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
• U.S. Marshals Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/national-us-marshals-museum
• Janet Huckabee Nature Center: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/janet-huckabee-nature-center
• Ben Geren Regional Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/ben-geren-regional-park

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kim Gordon from the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith Center for Economic Development to explore leadership, diversity, and the power of serving others. From her early experiences helping refugee communities in Fort Smith to building impactful workforce development programs, Dr. Gordon shares how compassion and cultural understanding shape stronger organizations and communities.

We also dive into her unique journey from corporate leadership at Tyson Foods to academia, the evolving challenges of today’s workforce, and why diversity is one of the greatest strengths a community can have. Plus, hear the inspiring story behind her family-run children’s book company, Fancy Pants Publishing.

This episode is packed with insight on leadership, resilience, and what makes Fort Smith such a special place to live, work, and grow.

Relevant Links:

• Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-district
• U.S. Marshals Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/national-us-marshals-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
• Fort Smith Regional Art Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-regional-art-museum
• Parrot Island Waterpark: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/parrot-island-waterpark
• Janet Huckabee Nature Center: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/janet-huckabee-nature-center
• Ben Geren Regional Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/ben-geren-regional-park

In this episode of the Discover Fort Smith podcast, Josh Fink sits down with Madilyn Lovell, Area Director of Community Connections Arkansas, to explore how inclusive, free programs are transforming lives across the Fort Smith community.

From sports and arts to family support groups, Community Connections is helping children with special needs build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging. Madilyn shares powerful stories of impact, the importance of creating inclusive spaces, and how Fort Smith’s strong community spirit is helping these programs grow.

If you’re looking for ways to get involved, give back, or simply be inspired by meaningful change happening locally—this episode is for you.

Relevant Links:

• Fort Smith Convention Center (ArcBest Performing Arts Center): https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-convention-center

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

• Fort Smith Coffee Company: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-coffee-company

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

• Martin Luther King Jr. Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/martin-luther-king-jr-park

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

In this episode of the Discover Fort Smith Podcast, we sit down with Heidi Moore, F-35 Site Lead for Lockheed Martin, to explore one of the most significant projects shaping Fort Smith’s future.

Heidi shares how Lockheed Martin is solving some of the world’s toughest technological challenges, why Fort Smith was ընտ chosen as the home for the Foreign Military Sales mission, and what it takes to maintain and support the cutting-edge F-35 fighter jet.

Beyond the technology, this episode highlights the heart of the mission—people. From incredible stories of Fort Smith hospitality to building a global community right here in the River Valley, Heidi gives a powerful perspective on how this city is impacting the world.

We also dive into career pathways, opportunities with Lockheed Martin, and advice for young people—especially women—looking to enter STEM fields and pursue meaningful, purpose-driven work.

• Fort Smith Convention Center (Kay Rodgers Park): https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/kay-rodgers-park

• Fort Smith Farmers Market: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-farmers-market

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

• Downtown Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/downtown-fort-smith

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

In this episode of the Discover Fort Smith Podcast, we sit down with Henri Erti, Director of Coaching for River Valley Football Club, to explore his incredible journey from Estonia to Finland, across Europe, and eventually to Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Henri shares his unique philosophy on player development, why winning isn’t the ultimate goal in youth sports, and how adopting a European-style, Barcelona-inspired system could transform soccer in the River Valley. From playing at a high level in Europe to coaching in Miami alongside world-class talent, his story is packed with insight, culture, and passion for the game.

We also dive into what makes Fort Smith special through his eyes—from small-town hospitality to standout local spots like Calico County and Ben Geren Park—and why he believes this community has the potential to build something truly special in youth sports.

If you’re a parent, coach, athlete, or just love a great story about growth and leadership, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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

• Fort Smith Convention Center (Kay Rodgers Park): https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/kay-rodgers-park

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

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

• Downtown Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/downtown-fort-smith

Vice Mayor Jarred Rego brings insight, honesty, and local pride to this Fort Smith-focused conversation. From his journey into public service and his role at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, to his passionate views on community culture and city growth, Rego shares what makes Fort Smith so unique — and where it’s headed.

He talks about the power of positive civic engagement, the balance between short-term needs and long-term planning, and his hopes for Fort Smith’s future. He also shares his favorite local restaurants, parks, and how he spends time with his family in the River Valley. A rich, thoughtful look at leadership and life in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Relevant Links:

• Arkansas Colleges of Health Education: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/arkansas-colleges-of-health-education

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

• Fort Smith Parks & Recreation: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/parks

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

• Fort Smith Trails: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bike-trails

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

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

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

• Events Calendar: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/events

• Fort Smith Restaurants: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/food

Eddie Lee Herndon shares his powerful journey from nonprofit leadership to community development in Fort Smith, Arkansas. In this episode, learn about his impactful work with OG&E, his past with United Way, and how he’s helped shape Fort Smith’s future through volunteering, storm recovery, and economic development. Hear how his passion for service, leadership, and the River Valley continues to inspire a thriving local culture.

He also dives into Fort Smith’s growth, the power of servant leadership, and hidden gems in the region from hiking spots to favorite food joints. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this conversation will inspire you to connect deeper with your community.

Relevant Links:

• Arkansas Colleges of Health Education: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/arkansas-colleges-of-health-education

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

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

• Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-regional-chamber

• Fort Smith Trails & Biking: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bike-trails

• 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

• Community Services Clearinghouse: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/community-services-clearinghouse

• Janet Huckabee Nature Center: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/janet-huckabee-nature-center

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

What happens when healthcare, innovation, and heart collide? In this episode, we meet Allie Young, a physical therapist, professor, and local app creator working with Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE). Allie shares her journey from treating pediatric patients to educating the next generation of PTs — all while building tools that support new parents across the country.From developing the NurtureWell app to combatting rural healthcare shortages, burnout, and long waitlists, Allie is changing how care looks in Fort Smith. We also dive into how AI is shaping physical therapy, why movement is medicine, and the many ways Allie and her family enjoy life in Fort Smith — biking trails, community hangs, local eats, and more.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nurturewell/id6754331123

Relevant Links:

• Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE):https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/arkansas-colleges-of-health-education

• Fort Smith Riverfront Trail:https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/riverfront-trail

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

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

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

Public transit is moving Fort Smith forward — literally. In this episode, Josh and Ashley sit down with Gregory Carthon, Transit Program Specialist, to talk all things Fort Smith Transit: how it works, who it helps, and why it matters.

Greg shares his inspiring journey from college basketball to public service, his passion for accessibility, and how his team delivers over 255,000+ rides a year — including life-saving trips during snowstorms. From fixed routes and demand service to free ride days, mobile apps, and community partnerships, this episode showcases how transit is about far more than just a ride — it’s about freedom, dignity, and connection.

• Fort Smith Transit:

  https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-transit

• Fort Smith Visitor Info:

  https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/plan-your-visit

• Riverfront Bike Trail (mentioned activity):

  https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/riverfront-trail

• Fort Smith’s Community Events:

  https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/events