Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast: Recent Episodes
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
In this bi-weekly podcast, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette senior editor Rex Nelson sits down with fellow civic-minded Arkansans to discuss ways to foster growth in the Natural State. Along the way, Rex and his guests chat about all things Arkansas — its people, places, food, music, history and more.
Capi Peck and Norm Berner – both frequent visitors to the podcast – join Rex this week to talk about different ways they are helping to combat Little Rock's worsening and seemingly never-ending trash problem.
Peck and Berner chat with Rex about aspects of their roles as conservation advocates for the city in regards to litter-related clean-up efforts. Peck, the executive chef and longtime owner of Trio's restaurant as well as a member of the Little Rock Board of Directors, talks with Rex about the connection between fast food and trash, and how non-recyclable materials have greatly contributed to the city’s litter and pollution problems. Peck also stresses the importance of educating younger generations in conservation and environmental awareness.
Berner, a member of Friends of Fourche Creek and Keep Little Rock Beautiful, is a longtime protector of urban wetlands in Central Arkansas. In this episode, he provides Rex with a brief history of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful campaign and his involvement with the organization. Berner also discusses upcoming events hosted by Friends of Fourche Creek as well as an exciting “special speaker” coming to this year’s Arkansas State Fair, one who Berner believes will continue help tackling the city’s problems with litter and pollution for years to come.
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Allen Engstrom, an area real estate developer and managing director of the financial consulting firm, CFO Network, stops by the podcast this week to chat with Rex about new, ongoing and planned developments in the Little Rock metro, and especially the recent revival of the Argenta Arts District in North Little Rock.
Allen founded the CFO Network more than 20 years ago in the Argenta district and the first topic of this week's discussion is the growth and changes the area has undergone over the past two decades. He explains how the communal aspect of the neighborhood grew in the wake of a successful tax implemented on area businesses and a core belief in making the district "clean, green and safe."
The primary focus of the conversation is the importance and necessity of building new housing developments and area businesses around a "live, work and play" ethos, which Allen and Rex agree is central to urban and economic progress. Along these lines, Allen tells Rex about several recent real estate projects he's been focused on, including the remodeling and repurposing of an 1800s-era house into an office and event space and converting a former Presbyterian Church into what Allen hopes will be an upscale restaurant.
The pair conclude their discussion with their thoughts on Little Rock's new downtown master plan, and stating the importance of a partnership and connection between Little Rock and North Little Rock moving forward.
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On this week’s episode, President of Paceline Strategies and former President and CEO of the Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce, Graham Cobb, joins Rex to discuss the economic developments and cultural shifts impacting Northwest and Central Arkansas.
The pair begin their conversation by highlighting Northwest Arkansas' economic boom, driven by initiatives from entities like Tyson Foods, Inc. and Walmart, alongside significant investments in infrastructure and healthcare, such as Crystal Bridges and the Alice Walton Medical School.
Graham, who now lives in Bentonville but is originally from Little Rock, also talks about Central Arkansas' recent surge in logistics and distribution jobs, notably with Amazon establishing a regional hub.
Both Rex and Graham emphasize the importance of leveraging Arkansas's strengths and fostering civic engagement statewide to sustain growth and attract further investments.
Towards the end of the conversation, Graham emphasizes the importance of community collaboration and authentic storytelling to promote Arkansas' unique qualities and attract new residents, pointing to initiatives like the #BecauseBentonville campaign.
Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.
On this week’s episode, Mississippi County Judge John Alan Nelson joins Rex to talk about economic and industrial developments in Mississippi County, including efforts to attract industry and new residents to the area.
The pair begin their conversation with a discussion of the county's booming steel industry, touching on U.S. Steel Corporation's recent acquisition of Big River Steel and the opening of several steel mills in the area, which has created hundreds of new jobs.
John also discusses the potential for aerospace development in the area, particularly utilizing the Arkansas Aeroplex in Blytheville. He describes how the aeroplex has attracted interest from companies throughout the globe.
Rex asks John about how county officials are working to attract more people to live and work in the county, and the judge mentions several efforts being made to improve infrastructure to support economic growth, such as the "Live Here, Work Here" program.
To conclude the conversation, Rex and John discuss Arkansas Northeastern College in Blytheville and the crucial role the school plays in ensuring the development of a skilled workforce.
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On this week’s episode, Arkansas Travelers’ CEO Rusty Meeks joins Rex to talk professional baseball and the changes in Minor League Baseball in Central Arkansas.
The pair begin their discussion with a recap of the recent sale of the Travelers – a Class AA team that’s been in Little Rock more than 60 years – to Diamond Baseball Holdings, a transaction that took place earlier this Spring. This leads Rusty and Rex into chatting about this year’s team, the Travelers’ affiliation with the Seattle Mariners, and how professional baseball has changed in recent years, particularly since the onset of covid-19 in 2020.
Rusty describes the ways in which professional baseball has become a much larger business lately, pointing to the development of unions and more revenue streams, as well as the evolving relationship between Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB).
Rusty and Rex conclude their discussion by focusing on new ways to attract fans to the game and make the minor league experience more enjoyable and family friendly, including new technologies, the Wi-Fi the Travelers have incorporated into Dickey-Stephens Park, and a host of promotional tactics the club is implementing for the second half of the 2024 season.
Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.
Gabe Holmstrom, Executive Director of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership, joins Rex on this week’s episode to discuss various aspects of the downtown Little Rock Master Plan, which involves new housing, retail, entertainment, and cultural attractions for the city.
In this episode, Gabe and Rex chat about why the Master Plan is important to the city, and especially those who live and work in downtown Little Rock. The pair begin by discussing current challenges in the central part of the city, including the abundance of parking space and government-owned buildings and land, and how the recent $1.5 million investment in the city’s center will allow for the development of green spaces and, hopefully, better utilization of the Arkansas River.
Another significant topic covered in this episode include the re-imagining of Little Rock’s River Market, and how elements of the Master Plan will affect the future of businesses and attractions that will be included in that district. Also discussed are developments in certain neighborhoods in Little Rock and what the city’s future will look like in years to come.
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Jimmy Moses of Moses Tucker Partners joins Rex on this week's episode to talk about the details of Little Rock's recently released Master Plan, which calls for increasing the residential population in the heart of the city, adding trails and greenways near the riverfront, more transit options for visitors and area workers and strategic development of new businesses.
Moses, who Rex refers to as "the godfather of the River Market" on Little Rock's President Clinton Ave., has been integral in the city's urban planning and real estate efforts, and the two discuss specific neighborhoods and sections of the city in relation to the Master Plan. Of particular importance to Moses is the development of more residential opportunities in the downtown area, the elimination of parking lots in favor of adding new transportation opportunities, and a desire to create urban parks and green spaces that will assist in making downtown Little Rock more vibrant and welcoming.
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On this week's episode, Randy Zook, the president and chief executive officer of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas, joins Rex to discuss the status of the state's economy, just as the state's revenue surplus was announced and reported in the Democrat-Gazette.
The pair begin by discussing recent developments and the growth of industries in Northwest Arkansas, including excitement surrounding new research and development at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, the new Walmart campus in Bentonville, and the expansion of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
The strength of the economy and industry in Central Arkansas is the next topic of discussion, as Randy and Rex highlight the significance of the new Tractor Supply Company Distribution Center in Maumelle and the Amazon fulfillment center in Little Rock.
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Skip Rutherford, former Dean of the University of Arkansas' Clinton School of Public Service and friend of the program, stops by this week to remember beloved Arkansas politician David Pryor, who passed away on April 20, 2024.
Skip and Rex discuss the importance of Pryor's career and the significance of his ability to transcend political party lines in an effort to best serve the residents of The Natural State. The two also chat about the ways in which state and national politics has changed since Pryor's heyday, recent developments in the Arkansas state legislature, and why higher education matters at both the local and state levels.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Victoria Ramirez, executive director of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, is back to talk about the museum’s reopening.
Ramirez and Rex Nelson discuss the reception AMFA has received — from the Little Rock community and all the way to the national level — since the museum reopened its renovated doors in April.
They also talk about future growth of the museum and the surrounding community.
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. joins Rex Nelson on this week's episode of the Southern Fried Podcast.
Rex and the mayor discuss the capitol city's development and improvement coming out of the pandemic (and overcoming the occasional natural disaster).
They touch on Little Rock's policing strategies, from community engagement to officer retention, as the city experienced a rise in crime.
They also talk about the city's economic development, from downtown improvements to fostering commercial and residential growth.
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Rex Nelson's back in the studio after his recent accident and joined by Skip Rutherford to discuss recent major economic developments across the state, from lithium refinement in southern Arkansas to Lyon College's Little Rock campus.
They also touch on some recent reading favorites, and look back at the lives of several great Arkansans who passed away last week.
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With the Travelers’ season in full swing, Lance Restum is back on this week’s episode to talk Arkansas baseball with Rex Nelson.
Restum, executive director of the Arkansas Travelers Youth Foundation and on-field emcee at Dickey-Stephens Park, discusses the nonprofit’s efforts to foster neighborhood baseball, from trucking in clay to donating pitching machines.
And of course, Rex and Lance talk Travs and what’s in store for fans this year at Dickey-Stephens Park.
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Skip Rutherford’s back for his first 2023 appearance on the Southern Fried Podcast.
On the heels of Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ 100th day in office and the close of a whirlwind Legislative session, Skip and Rex Nelson discuss the highlights of the new administration thus far.
With former Gov. Asa Hutchinson set to officially kick-off his presidential campaign, Rex and Skip analyze the field of White House hopefuls. They also discuss past presidential bids by Arkansans, including former President Bill Clinton’s improbable rise to the Oval Office.
Shifting gears, Rex and Skip round out the episode with a look at recent economic developments across Arkansas.
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Elizabeth Burns Anderson, executive director of the Farmers Bank Foundation, joins Rex Nelson on this week’s episode to discuss the development of the Lonoke Business Academy and other efforts across the state to boost rural communities.
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Gina Gemberling, president and CEO of the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, joins Rex Nelson on this week’s episode of the Southern Fried Podcast to discuss some key points of the agency’s 2023 Tourism Master Plan.
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Ben Kutylo, executive director of Forward Arkansas joins Rex Nelson on this week’s episode of the Southern Fried Podcast.
Kutylo discusses Forward Arkansas’ updated State of Education in Arkansas report, released earlier this year, and offers his insight on how the nonprofit is working to move the Natural State forward in education.
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Austin Booth, director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, joins Rex Nelson on this week’s episode of the Southern Fried Podcast to discuss the agency’s efforts to promote conservation on public and private lands while fostering the next generation of hunters and anglers across the state.
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Little Rock restaurateur Ben Brainard joins Rex Nelson on the latest episode of the Southern Fried Podcast.
Brainard, a pillar of the Arkansas food scene, opened a Big Bad Breakfast in West Little Rock last year. With the first location rapidly becoming a breakfast hot spot, Brainard announced plans to open a second shop downtown.
He and Rex discuss the capital city’s booming restaurant culture and recent developments — including Lyon College’s plans to open dental and veterinary schools — that have sparked a resurgence in Downtown Little Rock.
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Melissa Taverner, president of Lyon College, joins Rex Nelson this week to discuss the school’s plans to add dental and veterinary programs in Little Rock.
Taverner, a Virginia native and the 19th president of Lyon, talks about the Batesville school’s decision to bring the dental and veterinary programs to the capital city. She also discusses the impending “enrollment cliff” and how Lyon has adjusted its strategy to meet this change in the academic landscape.
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Little Rock public relations executive Jordan Johnson joins Rex Nelson on this week’s episode of the Southern Fried podcast for a look at what 2023 has in store for the capital city.
Leading the list of economic developments in Little Rock this year is Lyon College’s plans to open dental and veterinary schools on the site of the Heifer International campus. Jordan and Rex discuss what effect the schools will have on the burgeoning East Village and the city as a whole.
They also talk about improvements in the “three P’s” in Little Rock: parks, public safety and the port.
Skip Rutherford’s back for the end-of-the-year episode of the Southern Fried Podcast.
Skip and Rex Nelson look back at Arkansas’ political and economic happenings in 2022, and share some of their predictions for 2023.
Rex and the production team are taking a break for the holidays, but we’ll be back at it in 2023. See you in January!
Judge Robert Brown, former justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, is back on this episode of the Southern Fried Podcast.
After discussing his latest book on the last episode, he and Rex Nelson dive into the judge’s 2010 release, “Defining Moments: Historic Decisions by Arkansas Governors from McMath through Huckabee,” in this edition.
Judge Brown and Rex discuss the twelve men who have governed Arkansas in the past 70 years; from Sid McMath in 1949, to the current administration of Gov. Asa Hutchinson, now in his final weeks in office ahead of Governor-elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ January inauguration.
Robert Brown, former associate justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, joins Rex Nelson on this week’s episode of the Southern Fried Podcast.
Judge Brown talks about his latest book, “All Rise: How Race, Religion, and Politics Shaped My Career on the Arkansas Supreme Court,” going into his storied career in law and politics, as well as his upbringing as the son of an Episcopal bishop attending high school in Little Rock at the peak of the Central High desegregation crisis.
With so many stories to share, Judge Brown will be back on the next episode, airing Dec. 2
The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation turned 40 this year, and foundation President Deke Whitbeck joins Rex Nelson on this week’s episode of the Southern Fried Podcast to talk about the many ways the nonprofit continues to work with the Game and Fish Commission to better the state’s robust hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation resources.
With football season in full swing, Justin Dorsey, manager of War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, joins Rex Nelson on this week's episode of the Southern Fried Podcast.
Dorsey and Nelson discuss the future of Arkansas college football at War Memorial, the stadium’s expanding role as the hub of high school football in the state, and the growing number of out-of-state college games hosted there.
The lights don’t go out at War Memorial after football season, either. From soccer matches and concerts, to charity events and birthday parties, Dorsey and his staff are busy year-round.
Dorsey, a former police officer and state park superintendent, has been managing the stadium since 2019 under the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Clinton School of Public Service Dean Victoria DeFrancesco Soto joins Rex Nelson on the latest episode of The Southern Fried Podcast.
DeFrancesco Soto, the former Assistant Dean at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, talks about her plans to expand on former President Bill Clinton’s vision for the institution, including broader curriculum, increased enrollment and deeper community engagement.
With the midterm elections just a month away, she and Rex also dive into politics. DeFrancesco Soto, a political analyst for NBC News and Telemundo, offers her insight on what issues might be on voters' minds as they enter the ballot box in November. She also discusses growing diversity in the electorate and what role it could play in changing the political landscape.
Denver Peacock, president of Little Rock’s Rotary Club 99, sits down with Rex Nelson on this week’s episode of the Southern Fried Podcast.
Peacock, founder of The Peacock Group, discusses upcoming programs and projects “Club 99” has on the schedule in the upcoming year and beyond. On top of the club’s ongoing education and civic engagement projects, Peacock has kicked off "Illuminate the Rock," a fundraising effort to light the Broadway Bridge.
Shanna Richardson, scout executive for the Quapaw Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, joins Rex Nelson on this week’s episode of the Southern Fried Podcast.
Richardson, a veteran of the BSA and a recent Arkansas resident, discusses scouting in the Natural State as families adjust to post-pandemic life.
Victoria Ramirez joins Rex Nelson to talk about the much-anticipated reopening of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts on this week’s episode of the Southern Fried Podcast.
Ramirez, the museum’s executive director, has been overseeing the 3-year renovation of the AMFA, formerly the Arkansas Arts Center. In addition to the reimagining of the original building by architecture practice Studio Gang, the museum’s new design includes an outdoor expansion with 13 acres of MacArthur Park designed by landscape firm SCAPE.
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is scheduled to open to the public in Spring, 2023.
A Cleveland, Ohio native, Ramirez worked in several Texas museums before moving to Arkansas, most recently as director of the El Paso Museum of Art.
Skip Rutherford’s back to talk Arkansas politics with host Rex Nelson on the latest episode of the Southern Fried Podcast.
From the Watson Chapel School District special election to 2024 White House hopefuls, Rex and Skip discuss the latest in state and local government, and take a look at Arkansas' political future.
Arkansas Tourism Director Travis Napper joins Rex Nelson on this week’s episode of the Southern Fried Podcast to talk about the state of the industry as reports point to 2022 being a record year for tourism in the Natural State.
Judge Raymond Abramson joins Rex Nelson to talk about the Delta region on the latest installment of the Southern Fried podcast.
Abramson, a native of Holly Grove, talks about growing up in the Delta in the 50s and 60s, and how the region has changed as technology has greatly reduced the need for farm labor — a major factor in the shrinking populations of rural communities across Arkansas.
As Arkansans gear up for the Fourth of July weekend, Rex Nelson sits down with Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst to talk about the many ways to enjoy the state’s natural and cultural amenities on the latest episode of the Southern Fried podcast.
More podcasts from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/podcasts/
Rett Tucker, chairman of Moses Tucker Real Estate, joins Rex Nelson on this week’s episode to talk about the past, present and future of downtown Little Rock’s growth and development.
Skip Rutherford joins Rex Nelson on the latest episode of the Southern Fried Podcast to talk politics as they recap the May 24 primary and discuss their expectations for the November election.
Rex and Skip also talk about the recent plans by Lyon College and private investors to convert much of the Heifer International campus in downtown Little Rock into dental and veterinary schools.
Get the latest election news: https://www.arkansasonline.com/elections/
The Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau is geared up for a comeback year after weathering two years of a pandemic that hit travel, tourism and hospitality industries particularly hard.
Libby Lloyd, director of communications with the bureau, joins Rex Nelson on this episode of the Southern Fried Podcast to discuss upcoming events and initiatives they’re working on to promote Little Rock in 2022 and beyond.
Arkansas Cinema Society executive director Kathryn Tucker joins Rex Nelson on this episode of the Southern Fried podcast.
Tucker, an award-winning film director and Little Rock native, discusses the state of the filmmaking industry in Arkansas. She lays out her vision for the future, which includes incentives to keep talent in the state, as well as fostering the next generation of Arkansas filmmakers.
Tucker also talks about her latest project, “A Good Campaign,” an inside look at her brother, state Sen. Clarke Tucker, during his ultimately unsuccessful 2018 political campaign against U.S. Rep. French Hill.
This episode was recorded on Wednesday, April 27, so some of the events discussed have already happened.
Jimmy Moses, founder and chairman of the board at Moses Tucker Partners, joins Rex Nelson on the latest episode of the Southern Fried podcast. Moses, an executive boardmember of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership, talks about his love of Little Rock and what growth he would like to see downtown.
Moses recently wrote a guest column in the Democrat-Gazette in which he stressed the importance of University of Arkansas, Little Rock to the city’s future. He and Rex discuss what the university could mean to the growth of Little Rock.
Arkansas Travelers CEO Rusty Meeks joins Rex Nelson on this episode of the Southern Fried Podcast as the Travs are set to play their first game of the season in Frisco, Texas.
Meeks talks about the latest upgrades at Dickey Stephens Park, including a high-definition video board and some new menu offerings at the concessions stands.
He also breaks down the slate of facility requirements for minor league stadiums handed down by Major League Baseball last year. The club is in negotiations with the City of North Little Rock, the owner of the ballpark, over the financing of these renovations.
John Kirk, author and Donaghey Distinguished Professor of History at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, joins Rex Nelson on this week’s episode of the Southern Fried podcast to talk about his latest book, “Winthrop Rockefeller: From New Yorker to Arkansawyer, 1912-1956”
Real estate developer John Flake recently wrote an opinion article in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette addressing the uptick of crime in Little Rock. In it, he called for a consolidation of law enforcement agencies in Pulaski County.
Flake and Rex Nelson discuss ways to improve public safety and the overall health of Little Rock in the latest episode on the Southern Fried podcast.
Read John Flake’s opinion article: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2022/feb/11/enough-is-enough/
For nearly 25 years, Michael Marion has been the general manager of Simmons Bank Arena. On this episode of the Southern Fried Podcast, Marion talks about improvements to the arena, upcoming shows and keeping the lights on — and the lawn mowed — during the pandemic.
After six years as superintendent of the Little Rock School District, Mike Poore says he’s ready to spend more time with his family. In the latest episode of the Southern Fried Podcast, Poore reflects on his accomplishments — in Little Rock and throughout his career in education — as he prepares to retire later this year.
With baseball season on the horizon, Rex Nelson talks with Lance Restum, executive director of the Arkansas Travelers Youth Foundation and long-time on-field emcee for the Travs, in the latest episode of the Southern Fried podcast.
Skip Rutherford is back in the first episode of the new year. Rex and Skip share their 2022 predictions for sports, politics, economic growth and the coronavirus in Arkansas.
In the latest episode of the Southern Fried podcast, host Rex Nelson sits down with Wayne Miller, executive director of the Venture Center in downtown Little Rock, to discuss the center’s role in fostering innovation and growth in Arkansas and around the world through its education, collaboration, and acceleration programs.
In this episode, Rex sits down with Gabe Holmstrom, executive director of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership, to discuss how the economic and social landscape of the downtown area has shifted since the pandemic.
In this episode, Rex sits down with Jay Chesshir, president and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce. The two discuss recent economic developments -- including Amazon's regional fulfillment center -- as well as boosting the quality of education, health care and the financial industry to draw people and businesses to the region.
Skip Rutherford returns on this week’s episode. Rex and Skip discuss ways to promote growth in Arkansas’ rural communities -- including broadband, health care and hospitality -- after census data from the last decade showed shrinking populations in 53 of the state's 75 counties.
In this episode of the Southern Fried Podcast, Rex sits down with Brent Birch, executive director of the Little Rock Technology Park, to discuss ways the Technology Park is fostering tech growth in Little Rock and Central Arkansas. The two old friends also chat about the upcoming duck season and what's needed to allow the sport to continue to thrive in Arkansas.
In this edition of the Southern Fried podcast, host Rex Nelson sits down with Bryan Day, executive director of the Little Rock Port Authority, to discuss developments at the port, including the addition of the Amazon fulfilment center.
In this episode, Rex sits down with Tab Townsell, executive director of Metroplan. They discuss how to grow and develop Central Arkansas to keep pace with the state’s booming Northwest region, and what role Metroplan plays in fostering regional coordination.
In this episode of Rex Nelson’s Southern Fried Podcast, Rex sits down with Nate Coulter, executive director of the Central Arkansas Library System. They discuss the importance of community libraries as CALS is proposing a millage rate increase to Little Rock voters in November.
In the first episode of Rex Nelson’s Southern Fried Podcast, Rex sits down with Skip Rutherford, the former dean of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. The two friends discuss the future of Little Rock and how Arkansas is changing, as well as a few plans for future episodes.