SO NWA

Episode 24. In this episode of SO NWA, Juan Carlos and Enrique kick off Season 2 with a host recap and an honest, unscripted conversation.

They reflect on Season 1, what they learned, and how the podcast has grown through the stories, guests, and community connections along the way. From there, they share personal life updates, including becoming a new dad, home renovations, and stepping into a new season both personally and professionally.

The conversation also touches on mindset, financial perspective, and how everyday decisions can impact long-term goals. This episode sets the tone for Season 2 and what’s ahead as SO NWA continues to serve and highlight Northwest Arkansas.

Season 2 is officially here.
In this short intro episode, We are check in with the SO NWA community, little reflection on last season, and talk through what’s new for 2026. This episode we recorded while testing out a new video podcast setup, and we liked the conversation enough to share it.

Think of this as a quick hello, a fresh start, and a preview of what’s coming next.
Our first full-length audio episode of the season drops next week.

Episode 23- In this episode, Enrique and Jc sit down with Natalie Tibbs, Executive Director of the Children & Family Advocacy Center of Benton County. Natalie’s parents founded Restoration Village in 1989, and today she continues the mission of providing safety, healing, and long-term support for women and children in crisis.

Natalie opens up about growing up inside a women’s shelter, the reality of child abuse in Northwest Arkansas, and how her team walks families through their hardest moments with dignity and care.

You’ll also hear stories about community partnerships, the impact of faith and family, and the everyday work happening behind the scenes to support our neighbors.

If you’ve ever wondered how you can get involved, this episode is a powerful look at the heart, resilience, and collaboration that makes NWA what it is.

https://cfacbentonco.com/

Episode 22- In this episode of SO NWA, Enrique and Juan Carlos, we sit down with Keegan Staton, Planning Director for the City of Pea Ridge. We talk about what city planning really means, how it shapes daily life in Northwest Arkansas, and the balance between small-town charm and regional growth. Keegan shares his path from Bentonville to Pea Ridge, explains how residents can actually influence their city’s future, and even reveals a few hidden gems around NWA.If you’ve ever wondered why roads get built where they do or how towns grow without losing their character, this episode breaks it all down.

Episode 21 - Part 2 - In this heartfelt episode of SO NWA, hosts Juan Carlos and Enrique sit down at the kitchen table of Joe and Suzanne Spivey — two longtime Rogers residents whose family roots in Northwest Arkansas stretch back nearly a century. Joe, a Senior VP at Bank OZK, and Suzanne, a former teacher and Rogers Public School Board member, share stories of heritage, faith, education, and the enduring “Ozark values” that shape their family and community.

From their family’s Dust Bowl migration story to lessons from the Razorbacks, and from raising children to serving others, this conversation captures what makes Northwest Arkansas feel like home.

Whether you’re a local, newcomer, or simply love stories about community and character — this one will make you proud to call the Ozarks home.

Episode 21- Part 1 - In this heartfelt episode of SO NWA, hosts Juan Carlos and Enrique sit down at the kitchen table of Joe and Suzanne Spivey — two longtime Rogers residents whose family roots in Northwest Arkansas stretch back nearly a century. Joe, a Senior VP at Bank OZK, and Suzanne, a former teacher and Rogers Public School Board member, share stories of heritage, faith, education, and the enduring “Ozark values” that shape their family and community.

From their family’s Dust Bowl migration story to lessons from the Razorbacks, and from raising children to serving others, this conversation captures what makes Northwest Arkansas feel like home.

Whether you’re a local, newcomer, or simply love stories about community and character — this one will make you proud to call the Ozarks home.

Episode 20- In this episode of SO NWA, Enrique and Juan Carlos sit down with longtime friend and community leader Christian Saavedra — a Rogers native by way of El Salvador — to talk about his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected educator and head soccer coach at Rogers Heritage High.

Christian shares how mentorship, discipline, and honest leadership shaped his life, from learning English as a teen to leading his team to a state championship. He opens up about his coaching philosophy built around honesty, teamwork, and “closing the gap” for young men — preparing them not only for the field, but for life.

The conversation also explores the importance of faith, community, the growth of Northwest Arkansas, and the hidden gems (and tacos) that make the region special.

Whether you love soccer, education, or stories of resilience and growth, this is one episode that will leave you motivated to “show up” for your dreams and your community.

Episode 19- In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Rogers Mayor Greg Hines as he reflects on more than a decade of leadership and community growth. From navigating downtown revitalization to leading recovery efforts after the 2024 tornado, Mayor Hines shares his insights on responsibility, resilience, and what it truly means to serve. He opens up about his family’s deep roots in Northwest Arkansas, his unexpected path into city government, and the lessons learned from balancing leadership with everyday life. Whether you’re curious about Rogers’ growth, local traditions, or the challenges of public service, this conversation offers a candid and inspiring look at the man behind the office.

Episode 18- In this episode of SO NWA, Juan Carlos and Enrique sit down with Mariah Newman, an inspiring leader whose journey has taken her from humble beginnings in Kansas, to teaching and community transformation, to serving in high-impact leadership roles at Walmart, and now to launching her own venture—The Soulfire Collective. Mariah shares how courage, connection, and service have guided her path, from helping underprivileged students unlock their potential, to leading large-scale organizational change, to stepping out in faith to build something of her own. This conversation is full of powerful lessons on leadership, resilience, and finding what truly sets your soul on fire.

https://thesoulfire.com/

Episode 17- In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with father-daughter duo Drew Perry and Lauren Tedford, the team behind SnapHouss Real Estate Photography in Northwest Arkansas. Though they launched their business just a year and a half ago, their passion, hard work, and community connections have already made them a trusted name among realtors across the region.

With the help of Drews Wife and son, SnapHouss truly is a family business. Drew and Lauren share how working together has strengthened their bond, what it’s like to help showcase the beauty of NWA homes, and how they’re building a legacy rooted in relationships and service. We also dive into their journey from San Antonio, Texas to Northwest Arkansas more than 25 years ago, their favorite local spots, and why they love calling NWA home.