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.

Then, it’s on to filing season — candidate filings open November 3 — plus a look back at the four Republicans running for the District 52 House seat. Andy shares what stood out from those interviews and how voters can actually get to know their candidates.

And… the black panther sightings just keep rolling in. Nearly 40 stories from all across Arkansas! Misty shares the map.

🎧 Watch the full episode for:
• Arkansas fall weather & football talk
• Candidate filing week preview
• Takeaways from the District 52 interviews
• Funny videos you HAVE to watch.

Subscribe for more Free Arkansas and Y’all Hear About This? — the place for Arkansas stories, state politics, and good conversation.

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 Thompson for candid conversations on everything from privacy and education to healthcare and displaying the Ten Commandments in schools.🔒 Privacy and government overreach🎓 Education and local control❤️ Healthcare access in rural Arkansas🏛️ Ten Commandments displays in schoolsThis is your chance to hear directly from the people running to represent you — before the March 3rd Republican primary.🎧 Watch, listen, and decide who best represents your values.📅 Election Day: March 3, 2025📍 District 52 – Arkansas House of Representatives👉 Subscribe to Free Arkansas for more in-depth conversations, local politics, and unfiltered interviews that put Arkansas first.#FreeArkansas #ArkansasPolitics #District52 #MarcusRichmond #ARElections #GOPPrimary #ArkansasNews

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. Andy kicks things off with a look at what our Founding Fathers might think of modern America — and whether they’d be impressed or appalled.It’s Arkansas news, local life, and a few tall tales — the way only Free Arkansas can do it.👇 Tell us your story — have you ever seen a black panther 🐈‍⬛ in Arkansas?#FreeArkansas #ArkansasPodcast #YallHearAboutThat #ArkansasWildlife #FoundingFathers #ArkansasNews #Ozarks #BearAttack #MountainLion #BlackPanther

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 connection, not just fitness🎾 The rise of pickleball — and why Arkansas can’t get enough🧠 What strength training, wellness, and even AI mean for the future of fitness🤝 Leadership lessons from decades in business and community buildingFrom Big Sugar bike rides to the daily “Frank Life,” this episode dives into how staying active keeps both people and communities strong.🎧 Watch now to hear how Arkansas’s health clubs are shaping a healthier, more connected state.

Andy and Misty are back — and this week they’re talking about everything from falling test scores to football scores. 📚🏈

Andy wonders if America’s reading less and thinking less (but don’t worry, he keeps it entertaining), while Misty breaks down why the NFL might be “Bud Lighting” itself with a Bad Bunny halftime show.

Plus — the Hector Wildcats are 5-0 and running back Lucas Baker is lighting it up as one of the top players in Arkansas! 🐾🔥

A little serious, a little silly — all Arkansas.

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 dynasty that spans agriculture, fuel, construction, and more.In this episode, Andy McNeill sits down with Conner to talk about the realities of Arkansas farming in 2025 — the rising costs, shrinking margins, and generational changes reshaping the Delta. Conner also shares the story of his family’s 150-year legacy in Newport and what it takes to build and sustain a business legacy in rural America.🎙️ Topics Include:🌾 How farmland rose from $325 to $8,500 an acre — and why it’s still hard to make money farming💧 Irrigation, drought, and the evolution of East Arkansas row crops🏗️ Building the Holden Conner Company ⛽ Expanding into fuel, construction, and HVAC — and what it takes to manage it all💰 Why 90% of producers lost money in 2024 and what’s ahead for Arkansas agriculture 💡Advice for the next generation of Arkansas entrepreneurs📍 Watch now and learn how a lifetime of farming, risk, and resilience shaped one of the state’s great business success stories.👉 Subscribe for more conversations with Arkansas’ most influential leaders

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.

🔥 Topics this week include:

• The new military fitness standards making waves — why Misty says it’s “exactly what’s needed,” and Andy thinks the rollout missed the mark.

• The White House’s proposed university compact — what it could mean for free speech, tuition, and admissions, and whether it helps or hurts students from small towns.

• A look at online civility after a new round of personal attacks aimed at Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders — and why the hosts say the bullying hurts everyone.

💬 It’s thoughtful, spirited conversation — with plenty of Arkansas common sense and humor along the way.

👉 Watch, listen, and join the discussion on how national debates ripple through the Natural State.

#FreeArkansas #ArkansasPolitics #Military #Education #FreeSpeech

🌾 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.

✨ Topics we cover:

• 📊 Agriculture makes up 8.5% of Arkansas GDP
  

• 🌱 Why crop prices and input costs are squeezing producers
  

• 🌧️ How heavy rains delayed planting and hurt yields
  

• 🛡️ The truth about farm safety nets & crop insurance
  

• 👩‍🌾 Challenges facing the next generation of farmers
  

👉 A down-to-earth conversation on risk, resilience, and the future of Arkansas agriculture.

#Arkansas #Farming #Agriculture #FreeArkansasPodcast

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. Executive Director Bryan Day joins Andy McNeill to talk about:How Arkansas’ inland river system moves grain, petroleum, steel, and more across the country 🌾⛽Why the port’s location—rail, river, and interstate all in one—is a game-changer for logistics 🚂🚛The pending arrival of a major data center and what it means for jobs and tax base in central Arkansas 💻⚡How Arkansas competes with the Southeast for industries—and what it will take to retain young talent in the state 🧑‍💼📈Why quality of life, from trails to housing affordability, is central to economic growth 🏡🚴This episode is all about the future of central Arkansas: jobs, infrastructure, and the state’s role in the national economy.👉 Watch, listen, and subscribe for more conversations about the people shaping Arkansas’ future.#FreeArkansas #PortOfLittleRock #ArkansasEconomy #BryanDay #Podcast

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 America’s fastest-growing regions.

🎙️ What you’ll hear in this episode:

• 📈 Walmart’s explosive growth years and lessons in leadership

• 🏙️ How Bentonville became a hub for culture, retail, and innovation

• 🚲 Why biking trails, art museums, and a new Walmart HQ are game changers

• ⚽ Could pro sports be next for Northwest Arkansas?

• 🎓 The University of Arkansas’ role in attracting and keeping top talent

From boardrooms to bike trails, Bentonville’s story is one of people, culture, and relentless growth — and Eric and Andy share what it takes to keep that momentum going.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations about the future of Arkansas.

#FreeArkansas #Bentonville #Walmart #ArkansasBusiness #Podcast