Host Rep. Mindy McAlindon sits down with Senator Colonel Jim Hendren — former F-15 pilot, Arkansas legislator, plastics business owner, and the 777th human to reach space. Hear his incredible stories: joining the Air Force on a whim, pioneering pro-life laws in a Democrat-controlled legislature, growing a family business, and his recent Blue Origin New Shepard flight where he floated weightless, saw Earth’s curve, and playfully reclaimed “highest and fastest” bragging rights from his fighter-pilot son. Military grit, political battles, faith, family, and a view from the edge of space — this is one unforgettable conversation.

Mindy McAlindon represents Arkansans in the10th House district. She continues to fight for parental empowerment, strong schools, lower taxes and securing Arkansas' quality of life. Outside of politics, Mindy is a Vanderbilt and Indiana University alum who works as a Brand and Marketing Strategist. Mindy resides in Benton County, AR with her husband and their four children.

On this episode of In The Arena, Mindy McAlindon sits down with Rob Boaz, President and CEO of Carroll Electric, to break down the complex world of energy and electricity. From rising power costs to the rapid growth of data centers and AI, Rob explains what’s really driving demand on the electric grid and how utilities are planning for the future. The conversation explores how electric cooperatives work, the challenges of maintaining reliable and affordable power, and the policy and infrastructure decisions shaping the next decade of energy in America. If you’ve ever wondered why your electric bill looks the way it does or how the grid keeps up with modern demand, this episode pulls back the curtain

In this episode of In The Arena, Mindy McAlindon welcomes Brandon Carter, the Prosecuting Attorney for Washington and Madison Counties in Arkansas. Appointed in late 2024, Brandon discusses his journey into the role, the constitutional responsibilities of being the top law enforcement officer in his jurisdiction, and the daily oversight of cases from arrest to disposition. 

They explore the impact of COVID backlogs, handling thousands of cases annually, and the importance of resilience in the judicial process. This insightful talk delves into accountability, community safety, and what it takes to lead with integrity in the arena of justice.

Mindy McAlindon represents Arkansans in the10th House district. She continues to fight for parental empowerment, strong schools, lower taxes and securing Arkansas' quality of life.

Outside of politics, Mindy is a Vanderbilt and Indiana University alum who works as a Brand and Marketing Strategist.  Mindy resides in Benton County, AR with her husband and their four children.

On this episode of In The Arena, Mindy McAlindon sits down with Bharat Patel, former Chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), to talk about leadership, legacy, and the power of entrepreneurship in America. Bharat shares his journey from immigrant beginnings to leading one of the most influential hospitality organizations in the country. They discuss small business ownership, advocacy, economic impact, and what it takes to lead with resilience in a competitive industry. This conversation is about grit, growth, and stepping boldly into the arena.

Mindy McAlindon represents Arkansans in the10th House district. She continues to fight for parental empowerment, strong schools, lower taxes and securing Arkansas' quality of life. In 2023, she was awarded the Legislator of the Year award by ALEC and in 2024 she received the National Consumer Champion award by Consumers’ Research for her bills protecting state pensions.

What does it really take to step into leadership — especially in politics? In this episode of In The Arena, Heather Sellers shares her journey from early political work to school board leadership and helping train the next generation through the Leadership Institute. This conversation dives into campaign realities, lessons learned from wins and losses, and why leadership training matters now more than ever.

Mindy McAlindon represents Arkansans in the10th House district. She continues to fight for parental empowerment, strong schools, lower taxes and securing Arkansas' quality of life. In 2023, she was awarded the Legislator of the Year award by ALEC and in 2024 she received the National Consumer Champion award by Consumers’ Research for her bills protecting state pensions. with the women shaping conservatism, every week on In The Arena.

.Mindy McAlindon welcomes Julie Harris of The Leadership Institute, former President of the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW), the largest grassroots conservative women’s organization in America. Julie shares her remarkable journey:
• Born in Texas, raised five children as a homeschool mom, then answered a simple welcome card that changed everything
• Helped turn deep-blue Arkansas red through relentless grassroots work • Served in nearly every leadership role in the Arkansas GOP and AFRW 
• The dramatic, high-stakes race for NFRW National President during turbulent times 
• Standing firm on biological truth, protecting women’s spaces, and strengthening bylaws with Alliance Defending Freedom
• Record-breaking women’s turnout on the ground in battleground states 
• Her greatest legacy and what comes next, a candid, inspiring conversation about faith, family, mentorship, and why conservative women must lead — especially now.  Julie’s book: From Ruin to Redemption: How Republican Women Rebuilt the Party After Its Worst Defeat (available at NFRW.org)
Mindy McAlindon represents Arkansans in the10th House district. She continues to fight for parental empowerment, strong schools, lower taxes and securing Arkansas' quality of life.
In 2023, she was awarded the Legislator of the Year award by ALEC and in 2024 she received the National Consumer Champion award by Consumers’ Research for her bills protecting state pensions.

In this episode of In the Arena, Mindy McAlindon sits down with Carlton Wing, the new Executive Director and CEO of Arkansas TV (formerly Arkansas PBS). Carlton shares his journey from longtime broadcaster and host of Arkansas Great Outdoors, to 10 years as a state representative, to leading the state's public television network.Dive deep into the major changes ahead: Why Arkansas TV is disaffiliating from national PBS programming effective July 1, 2026, due to federal funding cuts and unsustainable dues. Carlton explains the financial challenges, the shift to 30% local content (up from 5%), and why this focus on Arkansas stories, education, and community service is vital for the future of public television.

Hear about exciting new initiatives like the upcoming series Arkansas Taste Kitchen, teaching families how to eat healthy on a budget, and the enduring role of public TV in emergencies, education, and statewide access. Carlton also addresses common concerns about taxpayer funding and bias perceptions, while highlighting how viewers can still access much of their favorite PBS content via apps and streaming.Whether you're a longtime viewer or curious about the future of Arkansas TV, this conversation offers a clear vision for a more local, sustainable public media network. Like, comment, and share your thoughts on the future of public television.

“Beth Campbell is a longtime Republican activist from Nashville, Tennessee, and currently serves as Tennessee's Republican National Committeewoman on the Republican National Committee (RNC). She previously represented State Senate District 21 on the Tennessee Republican Party's State Executive Committee, first elected in 2006 and re-elected in 2010. A dedicated party leader, she has been involved in Tennessee GOP activities for decades, including as a delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention. Campbell is married to Bill Campbell and is a graduate of Memphis Central High School.”

Stephanie Orman is the Mayor of Bentonville, Arkansas, a position she has held since 2018 after serving two terms on the Bentonville City Council. A native of Northwest Arkansas, she holds a B.A. in broadcast journalism from the University of Arkansas and an M.A. in communications from Missouri State University (formerly Southwest Missouri State). Before entering public service, Orman had a 20+ year career in marketing and advertising, beginning at KNWA (an NBC affiliate in the region).Under her leadership, Bentonville—one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.—has seen significant advancements in infrastructure, economic development, quality-of-life amenities, and community initiatives.

Mindy McAlindon represents Arkansans in the10th House district. She continues to fight for parental empowerment, strong schools, lower taxes and securing Arkansas' quality of life. Outside of politics, Mindy is a Vanderbilt and Indiana University alum who works as a Brand and Marketing Strategist. Mindy resides in Benton County, AR with her husband and their four children.

Join Rep. Mindy McAlindon on "In The Arena" as she recaps her powerful trip to Israel with a coalition of legislators and influencers. From walking the biblical lands of Judea and Samaria—where Abraham, David, and Jesus lived—to standing on strategic hilltops overlooking Tel Aviv, Mindy shares why these areas are vital to both faith and Israel’s security.

She also takes you to the sites of the October 7th attacks: the bullet-riddled kibbutzim, the Nova Festival grounds, and the heartbreaking survivor stories that must never be forgotten. Discover the historical truth behind “Judea and Samaria” (not “West Bank”), the ongoing threats Israel faces, and why Hamas’s goal has never been peace, but the destruction of the Jewish people.An eye-opening episode blending faith, history, security, and the reality on the ground in Israel. Don’t miss it! Subscribe to "In The Arena with Mindy McAlindon" for more unfiltered truth.