What happens when childhood curiosity meets visionary educational design? Holland Hayden returns to reveal how the Amazeum is transforming Northwest Arkansas through play-based learning and community connection.

Dive into the prehistoric world of "Roar & Explore with Dinosaurs," where massive animatronic creatures roar through lush jungle settings while children build fossils and test their dinosaur knowledge. But that's just the beginning – Holland shares exclusive details about upcoming exhibits including "Namaste India" opening Sept. 27 and a future Mo Willems art exhibition that will delight both children and adults.

The heart of our conversation centers on the Amazeum's groundbreaking $25 million "EXP&ING Futures" campaign. This ambitious project will create three new spaces: an Early Learning Advancement Center focusing on crucial development for ages 0-6, The Hangout providing community connection space, and an expanded Backyard for outdoor discovery. With construction underway after a colorful groundbreaking featuring rainbow sand and tie-dye hard hats, the project promises to revolutionize how families experience learning together.

Whether you're planning to attend Tinkerfest in October (where you can take apart cars with real tools), curious about adult-only museum nights, or wondering how "Priceless Nights" make the museum accessible to all, this conversation reveals why the Amazeum has become the beating heart of creative learning in Northwest Arkansas.

What happens when play and education combine? Magic. In this celebration of the Scott Family Amazeum's 10th birthday, Holland Hayden reveals the extraordinary journey of Northwest Arkansas's beloved children's museum that has welcomed over 2 million visitors since opening its doors.

We dive into the exciting plans for their 10th birthday bash on Saturday, July 12, including water balloon catapults, bubble labs and a special 10-obstacle STEAM course throughout the museum. The celebration features a performance by award-winning singer-songwriter Shannon Wurst, who will debut the Amazeum's refreshed end-of-day parade song — a thoughtfully designed experience that helps transition excited children from play to departure through music, movement and joy.

Whether you're a longtime fan or have never visited before, this milestone event offers the perfect opportunity to experience the wonder, creativity and innovation that have made the Scott Family Amazeum a treasured part of our community. Join us in celebrating a decade of making learning an adventure!

Every child deserves a nutritious breakfast they can prepare themselves. That's the driving force behind the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank's innovative Summer Cereal Drive, running throughout June 2025.

When Julie Damer from the NWA Food Bank joined Kasie Yokley on The 3W Podcast, she revealed how this simple concept is already transforming childhood hunger relief across Benton, Washington, Carroll and Madison counties. The initiative focuses on collecting shelf-stable cereal - an affordable, accessible food option that empowers children to feed themselves with minimal supervision during summer months when school meals aren't available.

What makes this initiative particularly impactful is its simplicity and accessibility. Community members can donate cereal at six locations including Allen's Food Market in Bella Vista, Akin's Natural Foods in Rogers, Harps Food Store locations in Fayetteville, Siloam Springs and Gentry, and the 10Box Cost Plus in Springdale. Those unable to donate physical items can contribute financially through the NWA Food Bank's website, where each dollar provides up to 3.5 meals through their purchasing power.

Want to help feed children in your community? Find donation locations, scan the QR code on the NWA Food Bank's website to contribute, or learn more about the NWA Food Bank's impact at nwafoodbank.org. Together, we can ensure no child goes hungry this summer.

The Bentonville Film Festival celebrates its 11th year with an ambitious lineup of films, celebrities, and free family-friendly events spanning multiple downtown venues. Twilla Brooks with Bentonville Film Festival shares insider details about this year's theme "Find Yourself in Film," celebrity appearances including Al Roker and Lucy Liu, and the expanded "Homegrown" section highlighting Arkansas filmmakers.

What happens when you step away from corporate success to find your own path? In this captivating conversation, former Walmart executive Twilla Brooks shares her journey from the structured world of retail to entrepreneurship and her current role with the Bentonville Film Festival. Listen now to discover how Brooks navigated major career transitions, and join us for part two where we'll dive deeper into all things Bentonville Film Festival!

The 3W Podcast returns after a brief break with host Kasie Yokley sharing updates and reintroducing the mission behind 3W Magazine, a 17-year publication dedicated to Northwest Arkansas nonprofits.

Discover how a group of dedicated women is reshaping health care through collective philanthropy. Joined by Mary Heman, Alison Levin, and Brie Madden, we explore the remarkable work of Mercy's Women with a Mission group. Mary offers insights from her marketing career at Ocean Spray and her long-standing involvement with the organization. Brie shares her journey from real estate law to business development and her newfound passion for the group's mission. Alison, as a Senior Development Director at Mercy Health Foundation, underscores the vital contributions of the steering committee and the transformative power of pooled resources.

Experience the thrilling and educational side of Women with a Mission. From mastering CPR techniques to understanding the life-saving potential of Narcan, we recount the valuable skills learned during our community gatherings. We also share our excitement for upcoming self-defense training, reinforcing our commitment to personal safety and empowerment. These events not only equip us with essential knowledge but also strengthen our bond as a community dedicated to making a difference.

Prepare for an elegant and inspiring evening with guest speakers Savvy Shields Wolfe, Miss America 2017, and her mother, Karen Shields. Enjoy a fall-themed menu crafted by Catering Unlimited, featuring a special cranberry mocktail courtesy of Ocean Spray. As we celebrate the impact of Mercy's services and the importance of local health initiatives, you'll hear personal stories of change and inspiration. Join us for an episode filled with passion, camaraderie, and the joy of giving back.

Stephanie Orman's journey from the world of advertising to the mayor's office in Bentonville is nothing short of inspiring. On this episode of The 3W Podcast, Stephanie shares her personal and professional experiences, giving us a heartfelt glimpse into her life. We discuss the growth and construction challenges in Northwest Arkansas and the unique connections formed through travel sports, particularly baseball. Our mutual Oklahoma roots and experiences as baseball moms have shaped our friendships and community bonds, making this conversation both relatable and enlightening.

Ever wonder what a day in the life of a mayor looks like? Stephanie opens up about managing the city's operations, likening it to running a full-time business, complete with the daily hustle of emails, public concerns, and surprise issues. We explore innovative community initiatives like the 3-1-1 system and the Yard of the Month awards, which help maintain a connected and engaged community. Plus, we celebrate significant projects like the Adult Wellness Center and Gateway Park, showcasing the relentless effort to keep Bentonville a welcoming and continuously improving city.

Looking ahead, Stephanie discusses Bentonville’s future goals, focusing on infrastructure and active commuter transportation, all while balancing professional responsibilities with family life. With projects like the e-bike rebate program and safety videos, Bentonville is committed to modern, inclusive transportation solutions. We also share touching family moments, from celebrating milestones to planning for college. Whether you’re interested in local governance, community engagement or the joys of family life, this episode captures the vibrant spirit that makes Bentonville a great place to live, work and play.