In this episode, Chris Middleton, founder of Branchout Studios, shares his inspiring journey from working a corporate job to building a successful marketing agency. He talks about the challenges of moving his business to a quieter location, overcoming initial struggles, and the eventual growth of his company. Chris dives deep into the realities of entrepreneurship, balancing creative ambitions with family responsibilities, and adapting to the evolving demands of the digital marketing world.

https://branchoutstudios.co

This episode dives into the journey of a local influencer and community leader, known for his love of Fort Smith. Starting as a radio personality, he built a community around "loving Fort Smith out loud." His story takes us through his radio days, the founding of the "Things to Do in Fort Smith" page, and his current role as an influencer. The conversation touches on his personal challenges with alcoholism and his path to recovery, as well as the future of Fort Smith and its growth. His passion for fun, positivity, and community engagement shines throughout.

https://www.facebook.com/TTDIFS/

In this episode, @rhyanbesco an accomplished artist and songwriter, discusses his creative journey. He dives into his early love for music, how he transitioned from a rapper to a singer, and how his gospel roots influenced his style. Rhyan shares his success as a songwriter, his experience moving to LA. He also reflects on the balance between being an artist and a songwriter, explaining how songwriting opportunities helped him grow in the music industry.

https://www.instagram.com/RhyanBesco/

https://linktr.ee/riverboymusicgroup?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

In this episode, the host interviews Kelsie Jo Hillis, the photographer, entrepreneur, and social media manager behind Kelsiejophoto. Kelsie shares her journey from her early passion for photography in high school to building a thriving photography business after dropping out of college. They discuss the challenges of balancing work and family life, the importance of pursuing mentorship, and how social media has contributed to her success.

https://www.instagram.com/kelsiejophoto/

In this episode, the guest, Michelle Wannemacher, shares her journey as a photographer, balancing multiple roles as a professor, pastor's wife, and mom. She discusses the unexpected start to her photography career, challenges like client horror stories, and her thoughts on the business side of photography. Michelle provides valuable insights into transitioning from hobbyist to professional, navigating pricing, and the importance of building lasting client relationships.

You can learn more about Michelle’s work at michellelynnphotography.online.

In this episode, we delve into the entrepreneurial journey of Drew Defir, the owner and founder of Luna Marketing Studio. Drew discusses her background, the unique boutique approach of her marketing agency, and how she transitioned from a challenging personal period to building a successful business. She emphasizes the importance of humanizing brands, the evolving role of women in business, and shares insights on how she manages and grows her team. The conversation also touches on the significance of staying adaptable and the plans for expanding her business through retreats and potentially a podcast.

https://lunamarketingstudio.com

This podcast episode is recorded at the US Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas, with guest Benjamin Johnson, the museum's president and CEO. The conversation delves into the history of the U.S. Marshals, their role in enforcing justice across different eras, and how the museum came to be established. Benjamin shares insights on the challenges of creating the museum, the complexities of historical narratives, and the significance of accurately representing history, including the darker aspects like the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act. The episode also touches on the unique characteristics of Fort Smith and its growth potential.

https://marshalsmuseum.org

In this episode, I sit down with Isaiah Joe, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard, who shares his inspiring journey from Fort Smith, Arkansas, to the NBA. Isaiah discusses the pivotal moments in his basketball career, the importance of having the right mentors and friends, and his commitment to giving back to his community. This episode also highlights the basketball camp he hosted at his alma mater, supported by the Fort Kids Museum, aimed at inspiring and educating the next generation of athletes.

https://www.fortkidschildrensmuseum.com