Discover Fort Smith

Discover Fort Smith
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Places & Travel

Discover the story of Fort Smith in people's lives—recorded in places and spaces around town where the stories are unfolding! Hear from chefs, the Mayor, Miss America, and more... about why Fort Smith is a great place to visit, live, and work.

  1. 2d ago

    Kara Branton & Joyce Simpson on the Nurses Honor Guard of the River Valley

    Kara Branton and Joyce Simpson join the podcast to share the story of the Nurses Honor Guard of the River Valley, an organization Kara founded in 2021 after seeing a Facebook video and losing her grandmother, a lifelong nurse. The group performs Florence Nightingale tributes and lamp-extinguishing ceremonies to honor nurses at their funerals, has completed over 130 tributes since becoming independent in 2023, and also shows up for Nurses Week, pinning ceremonies, and community service at Hope Campus. Kara and Joyce, a 43-year nursing veteran, open up about what drew them into the profession, the emotional weight of the job, and how they've avoided burnout over decades of care. The conversation closes with their favorite Fort Smith restaurants and historic spots. #DiscoverFortSmith #FortSmithArkansas #NursesHonorGuard

  2. Aug 5

    The McGill Family Legacy: Service, Mentorship & Fort Smith History

    Herbie McGill has spent his life in service to Fort Smith — as director of the Elizabeth McGill Drop In Center, a nonprofit his grandmother founded in 1961, and as the driving force behind the Charlotte Tidwell Community Garden (Antioch Discovery Garden), a free 2.9-acre garden he took over after a 27-year friendship changed his life. Joe Cline and Emily Horn talk with Herbie about mentorship, growing up a McGill (nephew of Mayor George McGill), and how gardening became an unexpected outlet for teaching kids patience, self-worth, and where food comes from. Herbie also opens up about family structure, the loneliness epidemic among youth, and why exposure to different cultures builds empathy and opportunity. The conversation wraps with a tour of his favorite Fort Smith spots, from Creekmore Park to the Bakery District. #DiscoverFortSmith #FortSmithArkansas #CommunityGarden

  3. Jul 30

    Talicia Richardson on Building Community From Scratch

    Talicia Richardson calls herself a "replant," not a transplant — after 20 years away in Phoenix, Lexington, Dallas, and Atlanta, she and her husband moved back home to Fort Smith to be near family. Hosts Emily Horn and Joe Cline talk with Talicia about going from a "taker" in other cities to a builder and creator in Fort Smith, from neighborhood block parties in the Belle Grove Historic District to over a decade on the school board and rebranding 646 into Main Street Fort Smith. She also shares the food, murals, and community discoveries that surprised her most, then closes with her can't-miss, three-day itinerary for anyone visiting Fort Smith. #DiscoverFortSmith #FortSmithArkansas #FortSmithLeaders

  4. Jul 22

    First National Bank CEO Samuel Sicard Talks Family Legacy

    In this episode of Discover Fort Smith, hosts Emily Horn and Josh Buchfink sit down with Sam Sicard, President and CEO of First National Bank and the fifth generation of his family to lead it since 1872. Sam shares how he stepped into the role in 2011 after his father passed away, what sets a community bank apart from a national one, and why he sees First National's growth as tied directly to Fort Smith's own. He also talks about the projects he's helped bring to life around town — from the riverfront bike and skate park to the Hunts Park renovation — and gives real talk for anyone thinking about starting a small business here. #DiscoverFortSmith #FirstNationalBank #FortSmithArkansas

  5. Jul 15

    Morgan O'Neal on What Scouting America Really Is Today

    In this episode of Discover Fort Smith, hosts Emily Horn and Josh Buchfink talk with Morgan O'Neal, District Executive for Scouting America, covering eight counties across the River Valley. Morgan breaks down what Scouting America actually is now (it's not just Boy Scouts anymore), how the program runs from Cub Scouts through Eagle Scout, and how volunteers keep the whole thing funded and staffed. He also shares how a chance encounter with a Scout leader during a tornado scare led him into the job, plus some of his favorite outdoor spots in the Fort Smith area. YouTube Chapters 00:00 Cold Open00:34 Meet Morgan O'Neal02:12 The Four M's Job06:56 How He Got Here10:02 Tornado Story13:36 Volunteer Roles17:16 Scouting's Mission18:26 Merit Badges26:16 Eagle Scout Projects32:26 Top Outdoor Spots #DiscoverFortSmith #ScoutingAmerica #FortSmithArkansas

  6. Jul 8

    Inside the Tourism Sales Game with Douglas Beinenfeld

    In this episode of Discover Fort Smith, hosts Emily Horn and Josh Buchfink welcome Douglas Beinenfeld, the new Director of Sales for Discover Fort Smith, fresh off a move from Detroit, Michigan. Douglas shares his 20 years in hospitality and tourism, what a CVB and director of sales actually do, and how Fort Smith's 100%-lodging-tax funding model works. He talks about exploring Arkansas with his dog Bear — from Mount Magazine to Hot Springs — and why he thinks the state is criminally underrated. The conversation also covers the international flavor Fort Smith has picked up from the F-35 pilot training mission, plus his favorite local restaurants one month in. #DiscoverFortSmith #FortSmithArkansas #TourismIndustry

  7. Jul 2

    Why Nick McKelvain Chose Fort Smith Over Northwest Arkansas

    In this episode of Discover Fort Smith, hosts Emily Horn and Josh Buchfink sit down with Nick McKelvain, a Northwest Arkansas transplant who's spent the past year discovering everything Fort Smith has to offer. Nick shares why he and his girlfriend traded NWA's traffic and rising home prices for a slower pace of life, the misconceptions he had about the city before moving, and how his family's ties to Camp Chaffee go back to 1955. He also dishes on his favorite local spots — from sushi at Ninja Express to steak at Doe's Eat Place — plus where to fish, shoot pool, and soak in the Riverwalk. #DiscoverFortSmith #FortSmithArkansas #ArkansasPodcast

  8. Jun 24

    How Superior Pawn & Jewelry Became a Fort Smith Hidden Gem

    Nick Maestri, owner of Superior Pawn & Jewelry, turned a casual conversation about opening a pawn shop into one of Fort Smith's most recognizable luxury brands — built on trust, high-end items, and a no-junk policy. He joins Josh and Joe to talk about redefining an industry, building a massive social media presence with his videographer Larry, and why he believes Fort Smith is the best place in America to build a dream. Nick also opens up about his sobriety journey and why giving back — quietly — has become one of the most important parts of his story. #DiscoverFortSmith #fortsmitharkansas #fortsmithbusiness

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Discover the story of Fort Smith in people's lives—recorded in places and spaces around town where the stories are unfolding! Hear from chefs, the Mayor, Miss America, and more... about why Fort Smith is a great place to visit, live, and work.

Information

  • Creator
    Discover Fort Smith
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Discover Fort Smith
  • Show Website
    Discover Fort Smith

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