Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast

Restauranteur and area civic leader Capi Peck joins Rex on this week’s episode to discuss, most notably, the litter, trash and graffiti problems that plague the Little Rock metro. Peck, a Ward 4 resident who serves as Executive Chef and owner of Trio’s restaurant in Little Rock, speaks with Rex about her deep and longstanding concern for efforts to keep the city growing and beautiful, namely by removing littler, waste and debris from downtown streets as well as area parks and wetlands. The longtime Little Rock resident and member of the city’s Board of Directors also talks with Rex about specific conservation efforts residents can take part in and how local environmental concerns are directly connected to economic growth and revival. Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

Former professional whitewater raft guide in Colorado and native Arkansan Samuel Ellis joins Rex on this week’s podcast to discuss a variety of outdoor recreational activities available in Central Arkansas and the Little Rock metro. Ellis, the owner and founder of Rock Town River Outfitters, talks with Rex about the importance of the Arkansas River and the potential the river has for outdoors enthusiasts and increasing tourism. Ellis and Rex also discuss how outdoor activities in the state – including kayaking, fishing, mountain biking and hiking – help promote quality of life for Arkansas residents and how these types of activities assist in bringing newcomers into The Natural State. Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

Leland Couch, the Director of Little Rock Parks and Recreation, and architect Mason Ellis, board member and past president of Preserve Arkansas, join Rex this week to discuss the current state of the more than 60 parks and related facilities located in the Little Rock metro. Couch, who was appointed parks director two years ago, talks with Rex about the growth of Little Rock's park system over the years as well as his vision for the integration and continued development of the city's parks, including one of the area's most noteworthy urban parks, War Memorial Park. During the conversation, Couch and Ellis also speak about the importance of park preservation, trail development and pedestrian use, which are vital to the growth and maintenance of the metro area's park system. Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

This week, Rex sits down with one of The Natural State's leading authorities on the timber industry, Ray Dillon, who formerly served as President and CEO of the Deltic Timber Corporation. A Mississippi native who worked in Chicago where he also obtained a master's degree, Ray talks with Rex about his decades-long career in paper mills, paper industries, and related aspects of the timber industry. The two discuss the size and scope of the timber industry in South Arkansas, which Ray calls "the best place for timber growth in the U.S." Rex and Ray also chat about recent events in the housing market that have shaped the timber industry, as well as new avenues for economic growth and development in timber, such as the cross-laminated timber process. Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

On this week’s episode, Rex speaks with Mason Ellis of WER Architects, an Arkansas firm that specializes in historic preservation and restoration. Not only do Rex and Mason converse about Mason’s and WER’s work on the renovation and preservation of historic residences and buildings in the state, but the two also discuss Mason’s efforts on the Rose Creek Initiative, a group involved in completing Little Rock’s Rose Creek Park and helping preserve Rose Creek Trail. Rex and Mason also chat about the future of pedestrian trails in Central Arkansas, including development of the Southwest Trail that will run from Little Rock to Hot Springs. The two then discuss Mason’s involvement with conservation efforts in the region and his thoughts on how The Natural State can attract younger people. Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

On this week’s episode, Rex sits down with Suzanne Hirrel and Norm Berner of Keep Little Rock Beautiful to “talk about trash.” The primary topic of discussion in this episode is Hirrel and Berner's work on litter prevention, recycling, and beautification projects in the Little Rock metro region. During the conversation, Suzanne and Norm discuss their organization’s efforts to address the litter problem in Little Rock and also touch on the negative environmental and economic impacts of litter and polution in the city and its waterways. In effect, the two Keep Little Rock Beautiful board members address how the public can become involved in volunteer opportunities that address litter and pollution, such as the organization's annual Great American City Wide Cleanup on March 9, 2024. Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

On this week's episode, Rex sits down and chats with Janet Harris, Executive Director and CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, to discuss how her organization helps Arkansans engage with relevant political and civil issues. As part of their conversation, Rex and Janet discuss the CEO's history with the Rockefeller Institute as well as her lengthy career in political engagement and public service. They also address different ways the Rockefeller Institute collaborates with other civic-minded groups in the area – including the Clinton School of Public Service – and how Arkansans can become more involved in local politics and with the Rockefeller Institute. Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

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.

Kelley Bass, CEO of the Museum of Discovery, joins Rex Nelson on this week’s episode of the Southern Fried Podcast. Kelley talks about how the museum weathered both the pandemic and a massive renovation after a burst pipe in the winter of 2021 caused extensive damage to many of the museum’s exhibits. Rex and Kelley also touch on the importance of nonprofit organizations like the museum and how they improve the communities around them. Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

Adam Head, president and CEO of CARTI, joins Rex Nelson this week to discuss what his and other health care organizations are doing to improve cancer treatment for Arkansans across the state. They talk about Head's military service, and how it prepared him to lead CARTI into a period of strong growth and expansion across the state. CARTI's most recent addition, a one-stop cancer care and surgical center in Little Rock, is just one of several new facilities built to improve treatment accessibility to all Arkansans. Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

Randy Zook, President and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, joins Rex Nelson on this week's episode to discuss the state's workforce on the heels of a record-setting 2.7% unemployment rate. Zook and Nelson discuss efforts to boost new employment in vital job sectors. They also break down the biggest employment drivers around the state. Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.