FayetteForward

Meredith & Nick Castin

Join two Fayetteville, Arkansas residents for interviews with city planners, developers, architects, artists, change makers, and everyday citizens. On the FayetteForward podcast, we discuss active transportation, trails, transit, city planning, affordable housing, and more—with the goal of sharing actionable ways to move Fayetteville forward.

  1. 038: The Art of Neighborhood Development with Z Niederman

    12/12/2025

    038: The Art of Neighborhood Development with Z Niederman

    What does it take to build neighborhoods that work — and last? In episode 38, local developer Z Niederman reflects on lessons from the field, offering practical wisdom for aspiring builders and seasoned planners alike. From design philosophy to navigating resistance, he explores the art and grit of human-scale development. Show Links: Incremental Development AllianceULI Northwest ArkansasJohn Anderson's Neighborhood Development FB GroupWalker Park Improvements & Master PlanCity Pump in RogersTurnbuckle FarmThe Spring Shop / 7th St. LotSeeClickFix #FayetteForward #FayettevilleArkansas #FayettevilleAR #NorthwestArkansas #NeighborhoodDevelopment #Placemaking #SmallScaleDevelopment #WalkableCommunities #MissingMiddleHousing #UrbanDevelopment

    56 min
  2. 037: Ride, Reflect, Reform: Transit Advocacy with Becky DeClerk

    28/11/2025

    037: Ride, Reflect, Reform: Transit Advocacy with Becky DeClerk

    In episode 37, we talk with Becky DeClerk, an occupational therapy doctoral student and passionate transit advocate, about the intersection of healthcare, accessibility, and public transportation. We explore how OT and public transit go hand in hand in supporting independence and community participation. From sharing headphones with a jazz-loving stranger to testifying at city council meetings, Becky’s journey highlights both the systemic gaps and hopeful possibilities in Northwest Arkansas transit. Her advocacy bridges clinical insight and civic action in a way that’s deeply personal and powerfully effective. Show Links: FayetteForward Episode 17 w/ Joel GardnerI Am Northwest Arkansas Episode w/ Joel GardnerThe Growing Minds FoundationGroundwork NWAOzark Regional Transit (ORT)Passio GO!Parking Benefit DistrictsBenton County StrongFayetteville StrongCitymapperStrong TownsArkansas Spinal Cord CommissionNational Federation of the BlindRTC WashoeMountain Line TransitSEPTA #FayetteForward #FayettevilleAR #FayettevilleArkansas #NorthwestArkansas #SpringdaleAR #SpringdaleArkansas #RogersAR #RogersArkansas #BentonvilleAR #BentonvilleArkansas #PublicTransit #OccupationalTherapy #FreedomThroughTransit #MyOtherRideIsTheBus #MakeTransitSexy

    1 hr
  3. 036: The ULI Place Summit and How Real Change Happens with Megan Brown

    22/10/2025

    036: The ULI Place Summit and How Real Change Happens with Megan Brown

    In episode 36, we sit down with Megan Brown, Director of Operations at ULI Northwest Arkansas, to explore how real change happens in communities—through relationships, shared vision, and events like the ULI Place Summit. Megan shares how her background in finance, music, and event planning shaped her passion for the built environment, and why the Place Summit is more than just a conference—it’s a catalyst. From wastewater to walkability, it’s all about making Northwest Arkansas better, together. Show Links: ULI Place SummitUrban Land Institute Northwest ArkansasIllinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP)Groundwork NWADr. Gregg Colburn – “Homelessness is a Housing Problem”Trinity River Authority of TexasVelocity Group / Dan HintzCNU 34 Northwest Arkansas #ULIPlaceSummit #ULIPlaceSummit2025 #PlaceSummit #PlaceSummit2025 #FayetteForward #Placemaking #CityPlanning #FayettevilleArkansas #FayettevilleAR #NorthwestArkansas

    46 min
  4. 035: The City We Build Together: A Conversation with Mayor Molly Rawn

    01/09/2025

    035: The City We Build Together: A Conversation with Mayor Molly Rawn

    FayetteForward has brought you conversations with incredible guests from across Fayetteville’s creative, planning, and community worlds. In Episode 35, we’re especially thrilled to sit down with someone whose role touches every corner of our city: Fayetteville’s Mayor, Molly Rawn! Together, we explore what it means to build Fayetteville’s future. From housing affordability and trails to climate resilience, public transit, and the power of local culture, Mayor Rawn shares both the challenges and opportunities of guiding a growing community. Grounded in optimism and collaboration, this episode highlights what it takes to build a city that works for everyone. Show Links: Fayetteville Mayor Molly RawnDowntown Fayetteville CoalitionExperience FayettevilleMusic Cities Convention in FayettevilleCNU 34 Northwest ArkansasGrant propelling plan to put shelter at most bus stops in Fayetteville #FayetteForward #FayettevilleAR #FayettevilleArkansas #NorthwestArkansas #SpringdaleArkansas #SpringdaleAR #RogersArkansas #RogersAR #BentonvilleArkansas #BentonvilleAR #Mayor #CNU34

    52 min
  5. 034: Passive House Series #3: Bringing Magnolia House to Life with Alex Munson

    09/08/2025

    034: Passive House Series #3: Bringing Magnolia House to Life with Alex Munson

    In this final episode of our Passive House series, builder and general contractor Alex Munson takes us behind the scenes of the Magnolia House—the first certified Passive House in Arkansas. Alex shares how her background, hands-on building style, and deep-rooted love for construction shaped the project, and she reflects on what it means to collaborate closely with architects and consultants to meet the strict Passive House standards. She also talks shop on airtightness tests, ductwork challenges, and the art of mentoring other builders—while staying grounded in community, craftsmanship, and a genuine love of swinging a hammer. Show Links: Munson ConstructionKUAF Story on Magnolia HouseNWA Democrat-Gazette Story on Magnolia HouseHome Energy RxOzark Natural Science CenterHabitat for Humanity ReStore #PassiveHouse #MagnoliaHouse #EnergyEfficiency #GreenBuilding #WomenInConstruction #SustainableHomes #HighPerformanceBuilding #FayetteForward #FayettevilleArkansas #FayettevilleAR #NorthwestArkansas

    42 min
  6. 033: Passive House Series #2: Systems Thinking and Human-Centered Design with Cameron Caja

    27/07/2025

    033: Passive House Series #2: Systems Thinking and Human-Centered Design with Cameron Caja

    Cameron Caja joins us to explore the world of Passive House design—what it is, how it works, and why it matters for Northwest Arkansas. From energy modeling and airtight membranes to long-term resilience and community health, Cameron unpacks the systems thinking behind better buildings. He also shares insights on affordability, incremental change, and his work with Habitat for Humanity to make high-performance housing more accessible. Show Links: Cameron CajaPolaris High Performance HomesPassive Building PrinciplesKUAF Story on Magnolia HouseNWA Democrat-Gazette Story on Magnolia HouseEnergy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)Home Energy RxPhiusSpring Street Passive HouseCity of Fayetteville Composting ProgramHabitat for Humanity of Northwest ArkansasGroundwork (Northwest Arkansas Council)Community Development NWAPassive House AcceleratorReimagine Buildings CollectiveTri Cycle FarmsApple Seeds NWACobblestone Farms #FayetteForward #FayettevilleAR #FayettevilleArkansas #NorthwestArkansas #PassiveHouse #PassiveHouseSeries #BuildingScience #HighPerformanceHomes #HumanCenteredDesign #EnergyModeling

    1 hr
  7. 032: Passive House Series #1: Designing Arkansas’s First Certified Passive House with Michael Cockram

    15/07/2025

    032: Passive House Series #1: Designing Arkansas’s First Certified Passive House with Michael Cockram

    In this launch of our Passive House Series, architectural designer Michael Cockram walks us through the vision and process behind Arkansas’s first certified Passive House—the Magnolia House. Built on a tandem lot in his former backyard, Michael’s project showcases the power of high-performance design, strong collaboration, and ecological mindfulness. It’s an inspiring start to a series focused on how we can build smarter, healthier homes. Show Links: Bowerbird DesignKUAF Story on Magnolia HouseNWA Democrat-Gazette Story on Magnolia HousePhiusRain GardensOMNI Center for Peace, Justice & EcologyShore & Cockram MusicBacktracks Podcast #PassiveHouse #MagnoliaHouse #FayetteForward #SustainableDesign #ArkansasArchitecture #HealthyHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #UrbanInfill #FayettevilleAR #FayettevilleArkansas #NorthwestArkansas

    40 min
  8. 031: Beyond Playgrounds: Parks as Infrastructure with Alison Jumper

    10/06/2025

    031: Beyond Playgrounds: Parks as Infrastructure with Alison Jumper

    In episode 31, Alison Jumper, Fayetteville’s Director of Parks, Natural Resources, and Cultural Affairs, shares her journey from landscape architect to city leader. We explore how parks can drive public health, sustainability, and social connection, all while aiming for the bold vision of high-quality green spaces within a 10-minute walk for everyone. From dog parks and drum circles to tubing streams and aquatic dreams, this episode dives into how Fayetteville is redefining what public space can be. Show Links: Fayetteville Parks, Natural Resources, and Cultural Affairs (GoPlayFay)Fayetteville’s Adopt Your Outdoors ProgramFayetteville Parks Department DirectoryFayetteville's Pick Me Up ProgramFayetteville Community Forester ProgramFriends of YRCCFriends of Fayetteville ParksPack Rat Outdoor Center #FayetteForward #FayettevilleAR #FayettevilleArkansas #NorthwestArkansas #NWArkansas #FayettevilleParks #GreenInfrastructure #LoveYourParks #GoPlayFay #HealthyCommunities

    43 min
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Trailer

About

Join two Fayetteville, Arkansas residents for interviews with city planners, developers, architects, artists, change makers, and everyday citizens. On the FayetteForward podcast, we discuss active transportation, trails, transit, city planning, affordable housing, and more—with the goal of sharing actionable ways to move Fayetteville forward.

Information

  • Creator
    Meredith & Nick Castin
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Meredith & Nick Castin
  • Show Website
    FayetteForward