The 3W Podcast

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.

Ever wondered how a top executive manages a high-stakes career while juggling the demands of family life? We sat down with Julie Barber, the powerhouse behind Walmart’s general merchandise organization, to uncover the secrets of her success. From the bustling back-to-school season to her time leading the snacks division, Julie reveals the complexities and exhilaration of her professional journey. Her stories of early morning routines and the ever-evolving world of retail merchandise offer a unique peek into balancing a dynamic career with personal commitments.

In this episode, Julie opens up about the constant challenge of navigating career ambitions alongside family responsibilities. We tackle the logistical conundrums of school schedules and the evolving attitudes of today's youth toward their futures. Personal anecdotes shed light on pivotal moments where flexibility in work hours has made all the difference. Julie's reflections on nurturing her team and supporting colleagues — even when it means watching them pursue dreams elsewhere —underscore the evolving landscape of work-life balance and professional growth.

From the joys and trials of parenting a teenager preparing for a hardship license to the competitive nature of youth sports, our conversation is rich with relatable moments. We talk about the importance of letting children enjoy sports without undue pressure, the limited chances of young athletes going pro, and the value of coaches managing team dynamics. Plus, Julie shares her personal passions, from marathon training to favorite foods like chips and salsa, and her love for reading physical books. Tune in to hear about hidden talents, relaxation methods, and the balancing act of professional and family priorities, all while maintaining a sense of calm amid life's chaos.

Ever wondered how youth sports shape family dynamics and community bonds? Join us on The 3W Podcast as we welcome my good friend Ryan Harrington to share the hilarious and heartwarming stories while balancing career, community, family and friends in Northwest Arkansas. Hear Ryan's side-splitting story about negotiating with his son Will for a new bat and the friendships that travel sports foster among parents and coaches. This episode is a treasure trove of funny anecdotes and real-life lessons from the ball field to the boardroom.

Balancing a thriving career and a bustling family life is no small feat, but Ryan Harrington makes it look almost effortless. We chat about his globe-trotting business trips to places like New York, Cannes and Las Vegas, and the unique challenges of managing a leadership role at General Mills while prioritizing family. Listen in as Ryan unveils his leadership secrets that promote team autonomy and productivity.

Our discussion takes a thoughtful turn as we explore the importance of community involvement and corporate social responsibility. Ryan shares how General Mills is making a tangible impact in Northwest Arkansas through sustainability and philanthropy initiatives. Plus, get our take on the latest trends in digital marketing, online shopping, and even our favorite breakfast cereals. This episode is packed with stories, laughs, and plenty of wisdom for parents, professionals, and anyone interested in community engagement.

Join me as I sit down with my dear friend, Tina Winham, to reminisce about our journey of friendship and shared commitment to community involvement in Northwest Arkansas. From our initial meeting through the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas to our collaborative efforts in Women With a Mission, we share heartwarming stories of our nonprofit projects. We'll also explore the transformation of Bentonville from a quaint town to a vibrant community hub, all through the lens of Tina’s deep roots and dedication to charity work.

Our conversation reveals the unexpected connections between household names like Conair and Cuisinart, illustrating the innovative spirit within the beauty and kitchen appliance industries. We shift gears to bring you the latest trends in fashion and beauty, from runway spectacles to groundbreaking hair and beauty tools, ensuring you’re in the know about the hottest styles and innovations.

We dive into the rewarding yet challenging experiences of serving on the board of the Northwest Arkansas Women's Shelter and the importance of supporting pet sanctuaries for families fleeing abuse. Reflecting on the essence of experiences over material possessions, we share our love for social media as a tool for connection and the joy of creating lasting memories through community events. Don't miss this heartfelt and inspiring conversation filled with gratitude, community spirit, and the power of enduring friendships.

Ever wondered how a gala can change lives? Join us for a heartwarming episode of The 3W Podcast, where we sit down with the inspiring "Mandy's Mafia" — Mandy Macke, Jennifer Yurachek and Tareneh Manning. These extraordinary women share their dedication to Arkansas Children's Northwest, spotlighting the importance of the annual Gala of Hope and a remarkable $25 million donation that has significantly impacted pediatric care. Their stories illustrate how community support can transform health care in underserved regions, making quality medical treatment accessible without the agony of long-distance travel.

Our conversation also touches on the broader benefits of having specialized medical facilities close to home. Mandy, Jennifer and Tareneh emphasize how such hospitals not only alleviate the stress on families but also attract top-notch health care professionals and businesses to the area. Personal anecdotes reveal the emotional and practical significance of these institutions, while we reflect on the potential and necessity of expanding health care services to meet the needs of a growing population.

But that's not all! We dive into the exciting collaborations that blend fashion with philanthropy. Discover the allure of the Arkansas-exclusive sneaker collaboration with Christian Louboutin. Listen to the whimsical tale of designing the exclusive “Barbie-esque" shoe for charity and the fun, fashionable moments from the gala. This episode is a testament to how passion, dedication, and community spirit can not only enhance children's health care but also bring a touch of glamour and joy to the lives of those who support these noble causes.