In the first episode of the New Year, Rex talks innovation and entrepreneurship with Arthur Orduña, Executive Director of The Venture Center and long-time tech industry and business veteran.

In this conversation, Rex and Arthur focus on the growth of businesses in Arkansas that are investing in diverse sources of renewable energy and the economic impact for the state. The discussion considers the role of lithium production in Southwest Arkansas and developments in the steel industry in Northeast Arkansas, both of which have led to more industries adding production sectors in The Natural State. 

To conclude their conversation, Rex and Arthur talk about ways The Venture Center in Little Rock and across the nation help burgeoning entrepreneurs and innovators become next-generation leaders. 

Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.  

This week, Rex sits down with Skip Rutherford, former Dean of the University of Arkansas' Clinton School of Public Service, to assess the past year and the future of economic and educational developments in the state.

In their conversation, Rex and Skip discuss the possibilities of the burgeoning lithium and defense industries in south Arkansas as well as the jobs and businesses that will result from an economic boom in that part of the state. The two also converse about changes in higher education in The Natural State, the divisive political landscape in the U.S. and Arkansas, and an assortment of other topics. 

Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.  

On this week's episode, Rex talks public service, leadership, and civic responsibility with Jennifer Cobb, the Senior Vice President and Executive Director of City Year Little Rock. 

Jennifer explains that City Year and its affiliate, AmeriCorps, provide support to students of all ages in cities across the U.S. by promoting equitable access to a host of learning opportunities. In addition, Rex and Jennifer discuss City Year's thirty year history and its origins in Boston, as well as President Bill Clinton's development of AmeriCorps, and what led Jennifer to a position at a nonprofit organzation focused on public service and leadership.

Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.  

On this week's episode, Rex sits down with Reed Green and Norm Berner of the Friends of Fourche Creek, a group dedicated to conservation and wetlands protection in Little Rock and central Arkansas. 

The trio discuss the hidden gem that is the Fourche Creek Urban Water Trail, a 20-plus mile waterway that allows for canoeing and kayaking in the heart of Little Rock, as well as the different ways Reed and Norm are involved in conservation efforts to keep The Natural State litter-free and environmentally friendly. 

Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners. 

This week, Rex chats with Victoria DeFrancesco Soto, dean of the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas, about the institution's accomplishments as it nears its 20th anniversary. 

Rex and Dean Soto also dig into current developments in U.S. and state politics, the Clinton School's upcoming civic engagement index, and the importance of faculty research in higher education.

Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners. 

On this week's episode, Rex sits down with Shanna Richardson, CEO of the Little Rock-based Quapaw Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The two discuss Shanna's 23-year career with the Boy Scouts, and the different positions she has held in several U.S. cities. 

Rex and Shanna also discuss the connections between the advantages of Arkansas' many outdoor offerings and the continued growth and success of the local Scout chapters, and the ways in which Shanna's family takes part in Scout activities and events. 

Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

Peter MacKeith, dean of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and Michael Blazier, the dean of the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, join Rex this week to discuss the history of and developments in timber and forestry in Arkansas. 

In this episode, MacKeith and Blazier also discuss what their respective colleges and universities are doing to ensure that Arkansas maintains its reputation as a leader in the timber and forest industries. 

Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

Mike Spivey, president and CEO of the Ozark Foundation, chats with Rex about the growth in outdoor recreation and activities in various parts of Arkansas as well as the Arkansas Graveler, a six-day cycling event on gravel roads to be held in June 2024. 

The future of Mena as an outdoor haven for recreational enthusiasts is discussed as is the Ozark Foundation's second annual Expedition Arkansas ride, which takes place next year. 

Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

President and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce Jay Chesshir talks with Rex about economic and cultural developments in central Arkansas and around the state. 

In this conversation, Rex and Jay dig into how the Chamber president has helped attract new talent to the region through a social media recruiting campaign, and the ways in which the Chamber of Commerce is involved in new business developments in Central Arkansas. 

Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

Phillip McClard of the iconic McClard’s Bar-B-Q in Hot Springs joins Rex Nelson on this week’s episode to talk about the beloved eatery his family has been operating for nearly a century. 

After talking a little family history, Rex and Phil dig into Phil’s daily routine at McClard’s, which starts at 2 every morning. They also discuss McClard’s 2020 purchase by Lee Beasley after the opening wave of the pandemic nearly closed the treasured Arkansas eatery for good.

Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.