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.