Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

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.
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.

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. 
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, 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. 
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. 

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. 
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. 

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.