Who are WE?
We are Randy Cantrell and Dennis Simpson. But that doesn't tell you very much so let's give this project - and ourselves - some context to help you better understand.
Dennis and I are cohorts on this project, but I confess that I'm the pilot. Only because I had the idea and urge. Dennis is the co-pilot instead of the pilot only because I recruited him. He is, quite literally, the resident expert here. That doesn't mean he's an unwilling participant. On the contrary, he's enthusiastic and excited about this podcast. And I couldn't be happier that he accepted my invitation.
One of the many creeks inside Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
I first met Dennis in the early fall of 2018. I live full-time in Dallas/Ft. Worth with my wife of 43 years, Rhonda. We were looking for some place to get away to for a few days - some place to do some walking and clear our heads. But I didn't want to drive for hours and hours. Familiar with the Ozarks, we just didn't want to drive 8 hours, but we wanted that kind of feel. I can't remember how I stumbled onto it, but I found a place on Airbnb. The Superhost was one Dennis Simpson. I had never heard of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas or Dennis Simpson, but I booked it and we made the comfortable 5-hour drive over from DFW.
Dennis was as described, a Superhost. When I reported that the nightlight didn't work, he showed up with a package of about 4 nightlights - popped open the package and plugged in a brand new one. He told us about the weather inside the Village and about his technology background. I asked. He said he'd been in the Village for quite a few years and it was obvious he loved it. And that he knew a lot about the area. After 3-4 days we headed back home, thankful to have discovered a place we never knew existed.
It would be over 2-1/2 years before I'd communicate with him again when I asked him to consider joining me to do this show. During the intervening years, I learned that Dennis had a few professional irons in the fire. And I saw him on some online video shows, heard him appear on a local radio show every now and again and watched him record some selfie videos telling folks about the area. I knew he wasn't camera or microphone shy, which is good when you're looking for a co-host of a podcast. I also knew myself well enough to know we could likely get along and have that come through to the audience. An important component of any podcasting success. It helps when the audience doesn't hate you! ;)
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas kept calling for us to return. Again. And again. And again. From the first visit, it became our "go-to" place. So much so, friends began to ask, "Are you guys gonna move over there?" Truth is, the people I love the most are in Texas. That includes 5 grandkids. We all live within minutes of each other. So, there are no plans to ever leave these people. But the place we love the most is Hot Springs Village.
The best way I can describe it to people is - it's like a big exhale! Being inside the Village puts me (and my wife) in a mental state that we both find very healthy. And helpful. We love the psychology of the place.
During the Pandemic of 2020 (and beyond) the political landscape was - well, interesting. Disruptive. Sometimes destructive. When I witnessed all the upheaval spread to every corner of the world, including the place I loved - Hot Springs Village - then I knew immediately what I wanted to do. A podcast. I was podcasting before it was called "podcasting." For more than 20 years I've been recording - I often prefer to think of it as "documenting" - audio ideas, thoughts, experiences, and insights. It seemed the ideal medium to help shine a bright light on one of the greatest places on the planet!
Politics is just one of the many topics for which I have little to no interest.
