The Ouachita Chronicles: Recent Episodes
The Ouachita Podcasts
Everyday people often have remarkable stories that go untold. The Ouachita Chronicles uncovers those interesting tales and talents. Join Ashley and Jodi as they learn the story behind the people who live in or originate from the Ouachita Mountains region and get to know their amazing stories and personalities.
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down (virtually) with Sam Luu! Though Sam is an Arkansas native and Mena raised girl, she now resides in LA where she works as a production assistant and on her non-profit titled Every Day Action. They talk how Luu got started in the entertainment industry, a chance encounter with Steven Spielberg, and feeding the hungry. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
More about Sam's cause: https://www.youreverydayaction.org/
In this episode, Jodi and producer Trey sit down with PCDC adult program coordinator Mark Lewis! They talk about Mark's amateur wrestling days, being a bouncer, and what brought him to working for PCDC. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode Ashley and Jodi sit down with fourteen year-old best frenemies Stella and Kathryn. Stella talks about the trials of being Ashley's daughter and Kathryn talks about the trials of being friends with Ashley's daughter. They talk social media, body image, and future. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down with Fort Smith-ian Sloane Harper! Harper puts on Fort Smith's annual Peacemaker festival, hosting some of the best names in country music right now! They talk music, Fort Smith history, and the woes of event planning. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down with Steve and Mike from Ouachita Mountains Trail and ATV Club! They discuss Texans, Arkansas Tourism, what makes Mena special, and the ATV rental business. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down with Cossatot River Park Ranger Davy Ashcraft. They discuss Davy's road to taking on his role, the history of the river, Cossatot River critters and more. Can water moccasins swim underwater and bite you? Our expert guest answers all in this episode! The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down with Officer Justin Wagner! Wagner walks us through his journey into law enforcement, the ins and outs of being a student resource officer, and he even breaks down the ins and outs of traffic-directing. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down with Al Hadaway! Al is a former Polk County Sheriff who has been in the background of some of the most influential events in history. From the Central desegregation to the Martin Luther King Jr. assassination, Hadaway shares his experiences in this special episode of Chronicles. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down with Ethan Nahte! In addition to being the production manager for Pulse Multimedia and the editor of the Polk County Pulse, Ethan has had a long career in entertainment and journalism, hosting several tv shows, being published in over 50 books, and interviewing rockstars for magazines published world-wide. Though the details are a little 'hazy', he may have even had a run-in with Willie Nelson himself... The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down with professor and Ozark historian Dr. Brooks Blevins! Blevins talks mountain history, Arkansas customs and finally weighs in on the better mountain range in Arkansas. Ozarks or Ouachitas?? Find out in this episode of The Ouachita Chronicles! The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down with The CALL Program Coordinator Renee Hendrix! Renee shares her story of working for DHS, getting involved with CASA, and her road to The CALL, as well as upcoming events. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down AGAIN with Justin Lapenter! Originally featured on episode four of the Ouachita Chronicles, Lapenter returns to continue his story where he left off. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down with healthcare professional Sherri Cauthron McCourtney! McCourtney recounts her story in healthcare from her beginnings, all the way up to teaching on a collegiate level. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down with new Mena/Polk County Chamber Director Melanie Wade! Originally from McCurtain County, Wade shares her experience of coming to Polk County, falling in love with Mena, and her plans for the future of the Chamber of Commerce. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi have Remmie and Gracie. As you can tell by their fancy accents, they are UARM's soccer players from England! They talk about cultural differences, the process of coming to the states, and playing college soccer. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down with Mary Alice Head! Mary is the owner/operator of The Shop and currently sits as a city council member for Mena. They talk small businesses, stolen dwarves, tanning, and local politics. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Jodi and Producer Trey sit down with hero Andy Threlkeld! Andy opens up and shares his story of saving lives in Florida, disaster relief at Albert Pike, Mexican Restaurant MMA, Jiu-Jitsu and more! The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Producer Trey break down each of their top five favorite episodes of The Ouachita Chronicles! The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down with Brooke Hines. Brook Hines is a renaissance woman- between EMS, volleyball coaching and local politics she's got a full plate! They talk about working disaster relief, city council, coaching and managing volleyball teams, EMS and more. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down with Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport Manager Fred Ogden! They talk about aviation, a certain notorious criminal associated with the Mena airport who will not be named, Texas tourists, and classic rock. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down (virtually in the zoomosphere, of course!) with legendary sports journalist Otis Kirk! They talk about the Razorback, broadcasting, the Lakers, and the precious pups that boss Kirk around! The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down with professional hiker and blogger Lacey Yoakem. They talk about growing up in the Ouachitas, how her hiking page "Wanderlust and Arkansas Dust" was started, hiker safety, Pantera, and the best trails in Arkansas! The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down with legendary radio-man and co-host of The Ouachita Podcast original shows 'Regrettable' and 'Hosting Hochatown' Jay Lindly! They talk about Jay's radio beginnings (and definitely promote staying in school!), podcasting, and the future of Lindly- Mr. Radio! The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down with the other half of Phillip Wilson's bromance Clint Montgomery! They chat about entrepreneurship, sportsball, high school, and a super rad Suburban. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode, Ashley and Jodi sit down with eccentric international viking man of mystery (or better known as Polk County's voted #1 sign shop owner), Torren Turbyfill. They discuss near death experiences, rude Christmas gifts, and heists. The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!
In this episode Ashley and Jodi FINALLY riff with The Ouachita Podcasts producer, Trey Youngdahl! A highly requested guest, Trey finally comes on for the 50th episode special to talk about his story coming into the job, radio journalism, the history of Unnatural Acts in the Natural State, and his post apocalyptic automobile! The Ouachita Chronicles is brought to you by Don's EZ Pay!