Episode #21 - April 5, 2024

There are so many entertainment options in April and May, we’re giving you a special Natural State Update episode! Enjoy!

Episode #20 - February 3, 2024

If you’re a fan of coffee and a fan of faith, you won’t want to miss the story on Shadrachs Coffee - Conway! And learn about all the entertainment options in February and March including a concert in Conway tonight!

Inside Look at the “The Internet Pastor”

ICYMI…check out this story on a local pastor who has gone viral on TikTok! And his new book releases this month! Congrats to Nathan King!

Entertainment Options for the Holiday Season

‘Tis the season for a lot of good entertainment options! Here’s Amanda Horton with more on all the upcoming shows for the rest of the year.

Episode #19 - November 3, 2023

Meet a local pastor who is getting worldwide recognition by sharing on TikTok, learn about all the entertainment options throughout the Christmas season, and get the latest information on the status of our economy.

Entertainment Options for October

Looking for some good entertainment in the month of October? Check out this segment by Amanda Rusk Horton!

Marriage Initiative Helping Local Churches

Churches in Arkansas are typically working hard to determine how to best serve their communities. One organization has found that many might not be putting enough resources toward the area that will truly benefit members. Jason Pederson explains.

Episode #18 - September 28, 2023

Find out what one expert says is the answer to curing loneliness, get all the entertainment options for October and learn what a government shutdown could mean for you.

Impressive Lineup at CHARTS

Did you know that you can see international touring artists in a high-quality, intimate setting? Check out this impressive 2023-2024 lineup at UA - Pulaski Tech: The Center for Humanities and Arts!

Episode #17 - August 30, 2023

In this episode, find out how an Arkansas mom is turning her pain into passion with Hope Movement Coalition and how you can help the cause!
Learn more about the impressive lineup at UA - Pulaski Tech: The Center for Humanities and Arts and find out about all kinds of entertainment options from Amanda Horton!

Episode #16 - June 29, 2023

In this episode, Jason Pederson shares about a Little Rock ministry that is looking for adult male mentors, Amanda Horton tells us about all the entertainment options for this summer, and we get some big financial news from John Shrewsbury.

Episode #15 - April 10, 2023

.If you’ve ever been a fan of Coach Norm DeBriyn, then our first story is a MUST-SEE. Anne Jansen takes us to Fayetteville and shares what he’s working on now that he’s retired and how YOU can help.

Amanda Horton gives us a look at all your upcoming entertainment options and Scott Inman gives us the latest financial news. Check it out!

Dance in Arkansas

How much do you know about dance in Arkansas? Anne Jansen gives us a closer look at the impact dance is having and how it’s been growing.

Bringing Joy to Cancer Patients

A Stuttgart organization is trying to bring joy to those battling cancer all over the nation and Canada. And one of its main fundraisers combines endurance with mud.

Episode #14 - March 4, 2023

Learn how the loss of a loved one has turned into encouragement for cancer patients all throughout the nation. Find out how dance in Arkansas is growing and the impact it’s having, and get the latest financial news with Scott Inman.

Greenbrier Actor Getting Big Screen Roles

Actor Dean Denton has been a professional actor for years but unlike many in the industry who call Hollywood home, he’s been getting big roles from small town Arkansas. He credits his faith and his ability to never give up for his success.

Giving Kids the Opportunity to Learn Through Entertainment

The Main Stage Education Series at UCA has given 55,000 Arkansas students, many of whom have never seen a theatrical performance of this level, the chance to see live theater while being educated. More info here: https://uca.edu/public-appearances/mainstage/

Entertainment Options for February and March

Looking for some good entertainment options in central Arkansas? Check out this segment for all kinds of performances and events going on now until the end of March! #naturalstateupdate

Episode #13 - February 16, 2023

In this episode, we get to meet Doktor Kaboom and learn all about the Main Stage EdUCAtion Series at UCA’s Reynolds Performance Hall from Amanda Horton. We’ll introduce you to Dean Denton, an actor who lives in Greenbrier but appears in big screen films! And Amanda will also give us our entertainment options through the end of March.

The Impact of Reading Through the Bible

Check out this special story on an online group in which participants read through the entire Bible. And pray about whether you want to join the 2023 group!

Coping With Grief Through Art

It’s been said that being creative can help us cope with grief. Anne Jansen brings us a beautiful example of exactly that.

Local Author Details Brother’s Civil Rights Era Murder

Have you read the book “Markham Street” yet? It is a must-read for every Arkansas resident as well as the rest of the nation. Author Ronnie Williams eloquently recounts every detail of his brother’s murder which happened in 1960. Although abundant evidence was presented in a 1984 trial, no one has been convicted in the murder of Marvin Williams. Jason Pederson sits down with Ronnie and brings us this story.

December Entertainment Options

‘Tis the season for Christmas concerts! And holiday-themed perfomances! Amanda Horton has all the options in this entertainment segment..

Episode #12 - December 2, 2022

Jason Pederson interviews Ronnie Williams who talks more about the book he wrote which shares the devastating detail of his brother's brutal murder. Anne Jansen introduces us to an artist who credits his artwork and journaling to his own survival after losing his wife. Amanda Horton gives us all the entertainment options for December and there are LOTS of Christmas-themed performances. And Scott Inman gives us a wrap up on the year in financial terms.

Various Entertainment Options at CHARTS

From popular bands to Broadway stars to famous musicians, The Center for Humanities and Arts at UA Pulaski Tech has a full season of events and entertainment that you won’t want to miss.

An Inside Look at The Max

Have you heard of the The Max Event Venue? It just might be the perfect place for you to experience life’s many experiences. ☺️ Anne Jansen takes us inside The Max.

Episode #11 - November 9, 2022

Learn more about the Center for Humanities and Arts at UA Pulaski Technical College, more about the new event venue space in Conway called The Max, and more about all the entertainment options during November in central Arkansas.

Conway Symphony Creates Community Connection

If you live in or near Conway, you are so fortunate to have a professional symphony orchestra in your own backyard. If you don’t know much about the Conway Symphony Orchestra, watch this story and support your local musicians!

Episode #10 - October 11, 2022

Learn more about the Conway Symphony Orchestra, see the emotional story of a Little Rock man meeting his sister who he didn’t know existed, and hear some valuable retirement advice from Scott Inman!

October Entertainment Options

Hear from Amanda Horton on all the entertainment options in central Arkansas for the month of October.

A Music School with a Different Approach

Have you ever heard a song on the radio and wanted to learn how to play it on an instrument? That’s exactly what Conway Institute of Music let’s you do. Learn more from owner Jim Skelton.

September Entertainment Options

Are you a fan of Hamilton? Then you will LOVE Spamilton! Amanda Horton shares about that and much more in this week’s overview of your September entertainment options.

Episode #9 - September 9, 2022

Get your headline update, find out why James Skelton started the Conway Institute of Music, hear about upcoming entertainment options in central Arkansas, and get the latest financial news from Scott Inman. Watch now and share!

Engineer Turned Actor Finds Love of Community Theater

A network engineer with no theater experience reluctantly auditions for a community theater show and gets the lead role. See the show by Red Curtain Theatre this weekend and next at the Hendrix College campus. 🎭

Laughter Really Is The Best Medicine

Do you need a good laugh? 🤣 Then check out this story by Anne Jansen on the central Arkansas comedy scene including The Joint Comedy Theater, Scoundrels’ Live Stand-Up and The Looney Bin!

Remote Work Tied to Happiness

Are you happy at work? A recent study has found that flexibility in your job is connected to how happy you are. Which is why Rudkin & Associates Mortgage not only has happy employees but is also a thriving business.

Episode #8 - July 18, 2022

Find out how Arkansas mortgage company, Rudkin & Associates Mortgage, is keeping their employees and clients happy by NOT having an office building. Anne Jansen gives a behind the scenes look at the comedy scene in central Arkansas. Amanda Horton fills us in on all the entertainment options for the rest of July and August and Scott Inman shares all about inflation and its impact on the stock market in this episode of the Natural State Update.

Spreading Kindness Through Letters

In a world full of bad news, a simple hand-written letter is cheering up hundreds of people. All thanks to one Arkansas woman. Jason Pederson introduces us to Allison Bond and KTLM.

Flotation Therapy Offers Help With Mental Health

Have you ever heard of flotation therapy? What is it really like and why do people do it? The new owner of FLOATspa Conway gives us an inside look at what it is, and why she’s offering not only flotation therapy but also cryotherapy and more.

AR Shakespeare Theatre Is Back

Arkansas’ only professional Shakespeare theatre company, Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, is back after a 2-year hiatus and will be performing one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays. Anne Jansen gives us a sneak peak.

Episode #7 - June 28, 2022

Learn how FLOATspa Conway is helping Arkansans with their mental and physical health, how a special needs young lady is making a difference with her KTLM letters, and how Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre is back after a two year hiatus.

The First School Shooting in AR

Did you know that Arkansas’ first documented school shooting was 42 years ago? The brother of that school shooter is now speaking out about what happened and what he believes needs to be done to prevent future school shootings. Jason Pederson has the story.

June Entertainment Options

Looking for entertainment options for the month of June? Here’s Amanda Horton with some suggestions!

Officer Tommy Norman’s Story and How Devastation Hasn’t Stopped His Mission

If you follow Officer Tommy M Norman on social media then you know that he has used his platforms to do good in the community. And even when he went through life’s unexpected and devastating twists and turns, this man of faith continues to do what he can to help others.

Episode #6 - June 8, 2022

Hear all about Officer Tommy Norman’s story from losing his daughter to surviving a heart attack, learn more about Arkansas's first school shooting back in 1980 from Jason Pederson, find out about all kinds of entertainment options in June from Amanda Horton, and learn about inflation issues from Scott Inman.

Helping Veterans with Canine Companions

A group in Russellville is connecting four-legged friends with veterans and keeping faith at the center of it all. Drew Brent introduces us to Warriors Keep.

Foster Care Success Story

Long term foster care has gotten a bit of a bad rap but Jason Pederson shares not only a success story, but reasons for foster care kids to STAY in foster care beyond high school.

Food As Art at Brightwater Culinary School

Have you ever considered food as art? That’s the concept of a culinary school in Bentonville. Anne Jansen takes us to Brightwater NWA and shares all about their appetizing mission and concept.

Episode #5 - May 19, 2022

In this episode, Anne Jansen introduces us to Brightwater Culinary School, Jason Pederson shares the foster care success story of Dylan Johnston, and Drew Brent shares about how canine companions are helping veterans through an organization called Warriors Keep.

Losing Your Mom Slowly

While we hope all moms have a wonderful Mother’s Day, we also want to honor those who are slowly losing their moms to Alzheimer’s/dementia and recognize how difficult this day can be. Our own Christina Muñoz shares about her own mom, while also telling the story of Theba Lolley and how she hopes her Don't You Remember? Podcast will help others who are caring for their aging parents.

Get Theba’s podcast here:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1824623/10521664

Christina’s Alzheimer’s Caregiver Testimonial

https://youtu.be/1LNpcbPmO14

May Entertainment Options

Whether you’re looking for dance, music, or comedy… there are a lot of great entertainment options for the month of May! Amanda Horton shares all about all kinds of performances in Arkansas going on this month.

Here are links to all the performances mentioned:

https://uca.edu/publicappearances/

https://uaptc.edu/charts

https://simmonsbankarena.com/concerts-shows/

https://www.arkansassymphony.org/concerts-tickets/tickets

https://www.balletarkansas.org/plaza

https://www.celebrityattractions.com/shows/717/CATS/Little-Rock/2020

https://www.robinsoncenter.com/robinson-center-events/

https://www.therep.org/into-the-woods/

https://argentacommunitytheater.org/

https://littlerockhall.com/tickets/

https://www.riverconcerts.com/

https://themomentary.org/calendar/freshgrass-bentonville/#lineup

https://yadaloo.com

Mamie’s Poppy Plates Helping Grieving Moms

Infant child loss is incredibly devastating which is why an organization called Mamies Poppy Plates (https://www.mamiespoppyplates.com ) is doing what it can to bring comfort to families going through this trauma. Katherina Yancy shares this story which is brought you by Agency501 (www.Agency501.com).

Episode #4 - May 4, 2022

This week, we learn about being a caregiver to an Alzheimer’s patient (and I share about my own mom’s Alzheimer’s journey) with Theba Lolley, we share about a non-profit helping parents who have lost a baby with Katherina Yancy, we offer financial information with Scott A Inman, and we give you a wrap up of entertainment for the month of May with Amanda Rusk Horton!

Coffee Cups Filled With Faith

Jon and Trina Mitchell left the corporate world to open up a specialty coffee shop and it was all led by their faith and God’s timing. Now they’re hoping their community will partner with them on their next faith-filled mission.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/zeteo-coffee-drive-thru#/

Card Craze in Saline County

Can you imagine buying a box of trading cards and getting one worth $85,000? 😳 It happened recently at a new sports trading card biz in Benton. Jordan Howington brings us the story.

Riverside Actors Theatre

A central Arkansas theatre man turned military man is combining his two backgrounds to help other veterans. Watch the story to see why Ben Grimes has created Riverside Actors Theatre and how he hopes it will help.

Episode #3 - April 18, 2022

This week, we learn more about an initiative that is combining theatre with veterans, the sports trading card craze going on in Saline County, and the mission behind Conway coffee shop, Zeteo.

A Lifesaving Colonoscopy

April is National Cancer Control Month which focuses on cancer prevention and early detection. That’s why we’re sharing a story on a central Arkansas man who credits a routine colonoscopy with saving his life.

The Art Group Gallery

Do you remember Ned Perme? Here’s a story by Anne Jansen on how this weatherman turned artist is spending his retirement, as well as the unique business model of The Art Group.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention

A Greenbrier family is hoping to turn their pain into purpose after their 18-year-old son took his own life.

THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE IS 1-800-273-8255 AND THE CRISIS TEXT LINE IS 741741. THESE RESOURCES ARE FREE, AVAILABLE 24/7, AND CONFIDENTIAL.

Episode #2 - April 11, 2022

If you or someone you know has ever been impacted by suicide, please take the time to watch this. You’ll also get to see a story with Ned Perme! And we highlight the importance cancer screenings with a story on a central Arkansas man who credits a routine colonoscopy with saving his life.

Arkansas’ First School Shooter

Many believe Arkansas' first school shooting was the horrific encounter in Jonesboro but the first documented case was actually 17 years earlier. Now the brother of Arkansas' first school shooter is speaking out about the importance mental health and prevention of bullying. Jason Pederson brings us this story from Stamps, AR.

April Entertainment

Do you suffer from FOMO? Well check out this segment by Amanda Horton on all kinds of entertainment coming to central Arkansas in April!

There’s No Place Like Home

A Conway sophomore goes from being bullied to thriving, thanks to theatre and the supportive community that goes with it.