Small Town Girl with Gwen Faulkenberry

Gwen Faulkenberry
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Biweekly

Come sit a spell—as my Granny used to say—and let's visit about all things Arkansas.  Gwen Faulkenberry is a small town girl through and through. Born and raised in Ozark, AR, she’s been everything from school teacher to a state Representative candidate. Gwen is a mother, author, English professor, an award-winning columnist–and now, a podcast host. On this podcast, Gwen sits down for thoughtful conversations that move fluidly from politics in Arkansas to big, deeply human questions about love, vulnerability, faith, identity, and what it means to stay connected in a digital world. Vulnerable, true, and deeply small town. Join the conversation at gfaulkenberry@hotmail.com! New episodes drop every other week.

  1. 1d ago

    "We Did Have Choices": Losing Their Son & Abortion Access

    Greg and Sid Adams learned that their son, Kerry, had a fatal brain condition and would not survive. They chose to induce labor, allowing them to hold their son, say goodbye and grieve with the support of their community. But today, that choice isn't available for Arkansas families. Sid and Greg had access to the type of care that is now banned in Arkansas. Many, like our host Gwen, grew up with preconceived ideas on the type of people and situations that led to abortions. Sid and Greg share their story not only to spread awareness but also to combat those stereotypes. Chapters (00:00:00) - Opening Reflection: Choice and Freedom(00:01:12) - Introductions and the Decision to Share Their Story(00:03:12) - Sponsor Message(00:03:53) - Naming Baby Carrie and Early Pregnancy(00:06:10) - Sensing Something Was Wrong(00:09:05) - Alarming Test Results and the Weekend of Waiting(00:11:47) - The Ultrasound and the Diagnosis(00:13:42) - Weighing the Options and Finding Clarity(00:18:21) - Choosing Induction and Preparing to Go to the Hospital(00:20:03) - Telling Laura and the Journey to the Hospital(00:22:41) - Labor and Delivery(00:25:25) - Meeting Carrie and His Final 90 Minutes(00:28:23) - Memorial Service and Grieving Carrie(00:29:50) - Laura's Later Questions and Life After Loss(00:31:19) - Why They Feel Compelled to Share Their Story(00:34:34) - Reflecting on the Word 'Abortion' and a Right to Life Call(00:35:31) - The Street Protester in D.C.(00:39:49) - Canvassing for the Abortion Rights Amendment(00:41:33) - How the Abortion Narrative Got Hijacked(00:43:12) - Growing Up With a Different View of Abortion(00:45:36) - Complex Cases and the Limits of Simple Moral Rules(00:48:01) - Oversimplification and the Logic of Pro-Life Arguments(00:53:40) - Life as a Continuum and the Need for Humble Policy(00:55:45) - There's No Such Thing as Other People's Children(00:59:11) - Class, Access, and Inequity in Reproductive Choice(01:02:28) - Government in the Room: A Tragedy Compounded(01:06:28) - Small Town Values and the Need for Reasonable Lines(01:08:33) - Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

    "We Did Have Choices": Losing Their Son & Abortion Access

  2. Oct 7

    "I Finally LOVE Who I Am": Coming Out Later in Life

    In this episode of Small Town Girl, Gwen sits down with Dr. Jim Mark Ingram, an allergy physician who spent much of his life hiding a fundamental part of who he was. Growing up in a small, conservative Arkansas town and a Southern Baptist family, Jim knew from a young age that he was gay, but he didn't have the language, community or understanding to make sense of those feelings. What happens when the life you've built no longer matches the person you know yourself to be? Listen & Subscribe! Read Gwen’s Column: https://www.arkansasonline.com/staff/gwen-faulkenberry/ Listen to past episodes! ARKANSAS ONLINE: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/podcast/smalltowngirl/ NORTHWEST ONLINE: https://www.nwaonline.com/news/podcast/smalltowngirl/

    "I Finally LOVE Who I Am": Coming Out Later in Life

  3. Sep 23

    You're Not Broken... You're Having a HUMAN MOMENT

    In this deeply personal episode of Small Town Girl, Gwen Faulkenberry sits down with Dr. Rose Smith, the therapist she credits with helping change her life. Gwen opens up about the difficult period following her 2020 election loss, the physical toll of chronic stress, and the moment she began to understand that her body had been trying to tell her something. Together, Gwen and Dr. Rose explore what it means to live an authentic life, recognize when our internal truth conflicts with outside expectations, and find the courage to listen. Listen & Subscribe! Read Gwen’s Column: https://www.arkansasonline.com/staff/gwen-faulkenberry/ Listen to past episodes! ARKANSAS ONLINE: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/podcast/smalltowngirl/ NORTHWEST ONLINE: https://www.nwaonline.com/news/podcast/smalltowngirl/ Chapters (00:00:06) - Introducing Dr. Rose Smith(00:01:49) - Gwen's story: election loss, marriage crisis, health scare(00:05:11) - Meeting Dr. Rose and beginning therapy(00:06:57) - Sponsor: Southern Loft furniture(00:07:20) - Opening invocation and setting intentions(00:09:20) - Listening to your body vs. cultural expectations(00:11:56) - Faith, the body, and 'spirit vs flesh'(00:12:47) - The 'falling down at the ball game' moment(00:15:55) - Saying thank you: reframing painful awakenings(00:21:26) - Finding your 'pod': shared struggles and connection(00:25:32) - Small towns, authenticity, and living truthfully(00:29:32) - Grief after her father's death(00:31:32) - Debunking the stages of grief(00:34:38) - Why some people grieve well and others get stuck(00:37:17) - Building resilience in children and adults(00:40:09) - Reframing and emotional regulation(00:44:01) - Feelings aren't right or wrong(00:45:39) - The rain meditation and being the ocean(00:47:46) - Riding grief's waves like a riptide(00:50:18) - Physiology of grief and self-care(00:52:07) - Closing thoughts and where to find Dr. Rose

    You're Not Broken... You're Having a HUMAN MOMENT

  4. Sep 9

    The Power of People: Your Vote Is Just the Beginning

    In this episode of Small Town Girl, Gwen Faulkenberry sits down with Dr. Gail Choate, executive director of the Arkansas Civic Action Network, to talk about what it really means to be an engaged citizen. Dr. Choate discusses why so many people feel overwhelmed or disconnected from the political process and how her organization is working to change that by giving Arkansans practical tools to understand their government, become confident voters and make their voices heard. Listen & Subscribe! Read Gwen’s Column: https://www.arkansasonline.com/staff/gwen-faulkenberry/ Listen to past episodes! ARKANSAS ONLINE: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/podcast/smalltowngirl/ NORTHWEST ONLINE: https://www.nwaonline.com/news/podcast/smalltowngirl/ Follow Small Town Girl, Gwen Faulkenberry: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwendolannfaulkenberry?igsh=Mm9iNnNkcjhoMDQ3&utm_source=qr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gwendolann.faulkenberry?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=VOmgTu5JpLnHLqcy&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1K7exmtJRN%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr# TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@user6617143631818?_r=1&_t=ZT-92dPCrpt4id X/Twitter: https://x.com/gwenfaulkenber1?s=21 Learn more about the Arkansas Civic Action Network: Web: https://www.arkaction.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkaction/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkactionnet/ Join the conversation: Email gfaulkenberry@hotmail.com ! New episodes drop every other week! #smalltowngirl #smalltown #civicengagement #politics #arkansaspolitics The opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

    The Power of People: Your Vote Is Just the Beginning

  5. Aug 26

    The Ripple Effects of Care Denied, Danielle's Story

    Danielle Williamson moved to Little Rock with her husband in 2021, excited to begin a new chapter in Arkansas and start a family. After struggling to get pregnant, Danielle and her husband turned to IVF. When they finally learned they were expecting their first child, they believed their dream of becoming parents was coming true. But at 18 weeks, a routine ultrasound changed everything. Doctors discovered that their baby had no kidneys or bladder and had not developed lungs because of the lack of amniotic fluid. Danielle was told the baby would either be stillborn or die shortly after birth, but because of Arkansas’ abortion law, she could not receive the care she needed in her home state. Today, she sits down with our host, Gwen Faulkenberry, to tell this important story. Listen & Subscribe! Read Gwen’s Column: https://www.arkansasonline.com/staff/gwen-faulkenberry/ Listen to past episodes! ARKANSAS ONLINE: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/podcast/smalltowngirl/ NORTHWEST ONLINE: https://www.nwaonline.com/news/podcast/smalltowngirl/ Follow Small Town Girl, Gwen Faulkenberry: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwendolannfaulkenberry?igsh=Mm9iNnNkcjhoMDQ3&utm_source=qr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gwendolann.faulkenberry?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=VOmgTu5JpLnHLqcy&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1K7exmtJRN%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr# TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@user6617143631818?_r=1&_t=ZT-92dPCrpt4id X/Twitter: https://x.com/gwenfaulkenber1?s=21 Learn more about AR Abortion Support: https://www.arabortionsupport.org/ Join the conversation: Email gfaulkenberry@hotmail.com ! Thank you to our furniture sponsor @MySouthernLoft ! Check out their expansive inventory at: https://mysouthernloft.com/ New episodes drop every other week! #smalltowngirl #smalltown #healthcare #politics #arkansaspolitics The opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Chapters (00:00:06) - Danielle Williamson(00:01:27) - ZOOM: Danielle's Story(00:03:42) - My IVF Baby Had No Amniotic fluid(00:13:57) - The decision to terminate the pregnancy after learning of a heart condition(00:22:41) - The Abortion Crisis in Illinois(00:32:35) - Arkansas women speak out about the abortion law(00:38:45) - Arkansas women speak out about forced abortions(00:42:13) - Arkansas Abortion Petition Signers(00:45:34) - Danielle Williamson on Her Fight for Arkansas's Abortion Ban

    The Ripple Effects of Care Denied, Danielle's Story

  6. Aug 12

    Be a Menace to Your Government: Kristin Foster on Arkansas Politics

    In this episode of Small Town Girl, host Gwen Faulkenberry sits down with Kristin Foster, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Arkansas and a longtime advocate for civic engagement and public policy. Kristin breaks down what’s happening with Arkansas’ budget following the state’s latest fiscal session, including the growing costs of incarceration, the state’s planned 3,000-bed prison, Education Freedom Accounts, tax cuts and what it all means for public schools and local governments. Listen & Subscribe! Read Gwen’s Column: https://www.arkansasonline.com/staff/gwen-faulkenberry/ Listen to past episodes! ARKANSAS ONLINE: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/podcast/smalltowngirl/ NORTHWEST ONLINE: https://www.nwaonline.com/news/podcast/smalltowngirl/ Follow Small Town Girl, Gwen Faulkenberry: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwendolannfaulkenberry?igsh=Mm9iNnNkcjhoMDQ3&utm_source=qr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gwendolann.faulkenberry?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=VOmgTu5JpLnHLqcy&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1K7exmtJRN%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr# TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@user6617143631818?_r=1&_t=ZT-92dPCrpt4id X/Twitter: https://x.com/gwenfaulkenber1?s=21 Follow Kistin Foster: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristinhasnotes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinhasnotes Chapters (00:00:06) - Kristen Foster on Small Town Girl(00:02:06) - Kristen Kirkpatrick on Keeping Up With Arkansas Politics(00:04:42) - Kristen Gets Real About Her Background(00:06:29) - Arkansas Political Columnist on Spending Issues(00:09:06) - Arkansas budget: Spending priorities has changed(00:16:59) - Local perspectives on prison spending(00:20:58) - On Educational Freedom Accounts(00:22:12) - Arkansas Senate debate on spending(00:27:22) - Arkansas on a Fiscal Cliff(00:37:05) - Local concern about dyslexia screening(00:40:06) - What are some of the other places(00:48:19) - Republicans on Tax Cuts(00:49:54) - Arkansas lawmaker: The People's Agenda

    Be a Menace to Your Government: Kristin Foster on Arkansas Politics

  7. Jul 29

    The Ozarker: Using Social Media to Revitalize Rural Arkansas

    In this episode of Small Town Girl, Gwen Faulkenberry sits down with Porter Hays, creator of The Ozarker and co-host of the Hawg Talk podcast, to discuss the power of small-town pride, community storytelling, and revitalizing rural Arkansas. Porter shares how growing up in Ozark shaped his passion for serving his hometown, the mentors who influenced his life, and why he launched The Ozarker to spotlight local businesses, restaurants, events, and the people who make the Arkansas River Valley special. From promoting tourism to celebrating community success stories, Porter believes positive storytelling can help small towns thrive. Listen & Subscribe! Read Gwen’s Column: https://www.arkansasonline.com/staff/gwen-faulkenberry/ Listen to past episodes! ARKANSAS ONLINE: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/podcast/smalltowngirl/ NORTHWEST ONLINE: https://www.nwaonline.com/news/podcast/smalltowngirl/ Chapters (00:00:07) - Meet Porter Hayes, The Ozarker(00:07:12) - Ozark County Sheriff's Office presents(00:09:20) - Porter: I Was Raised in Ozark(00:14:13) - Bob Rippy on His Influential Coach(00:15:55) - Rednecks in Ozark(00:17:47) - Hog Talk(00:20:12) - Visit Ozark(00:21:07) - Visit Ozark: Small Towns Will Be Included(00:24:45) - Ozark: Positive Changes in the Town(00:28:47) - Ozark Restaurant Open for COVID(00:32:55) - What would you bring back to town?(00:33:38) - Tyler Porter on the Benefit for Jackson Tedford(00:39:02) - One Autism Dad's Story(00:46:25) - Porter on revitalizing Ozark: "(00:52:07) - Covid on Podcast(00:53:03) - Sam Harris on Community Policing

    The Ozarker: Using Social Media to Revitalize Rural Arkansas

  8. Jul 15

    Cody Vest: How He Became a "BookTok" Content Creator

    From a small town in Arkansas to BookTok fame in New York City! In this episode of Small Town Girl, Gwen Faulkenberry sits down with Cody Vest, former Arkansas educator, literacy advocate, and viral BookTok creator with more than 300,000 followers across platforms. Listen & Subscribe! Read Gwen’s Column: https://www.arkansasonline.com/staff/gwen-faulkenberry/ Listen to past episodes! ARKANSAS ONLINE: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/podcast/smalltowngirl/ NORTHWEST ONLINE: https://www.nwaonline.com/news/podcast/smalltowngirl/  Chapters (00:00:06) - Cody Vest on Small Town, Girl(00:02:36) - Cody Fern on Becoming an Influencer(00:03:50) - Viral Furniture Designer at Southern Loft(00:09:35) - Interviewing Min Jin Lee on a Podcast(00:10:04) - Talking to Reese Witherspoon About Her Book(00:11:49) - Judy Blume Meets Her Fans(00:13:49) - Black History Talk: The Great Migration(00:20:38) - Ocean Vong at the Literary Festival(00:22:35) - Gaining Out Of Education(00:27:08) - Teachers speak out about the challenges of teaching(00:32:39) - Black People on Colson Whitehead's 'To Kill A M(00:37:54) - Read Just Mercy: The Justice System's Failure(00:39:09) - Cody on Growing Up Gay in Arkansas(00:41:59) - Coming Out: Gay People's Stories(00:46:11) - Coming to Terms With Your Queer Identity(00:49:41) - What is Pride and Why It Matters?(00:56:12) - Black Lives Matter: Individual Freedom vs. the Greater Good(01:01:33) - Cody Case on Starting a Content Channel(01:06:01) - Cody Best on Social Media

    Cody Vest: How He Became a "BookTok" Content Creator
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About

Come sit a spell—as my Granny used to say—and let's visit about all things Arkansas.  Gwen Faulkenberry is a small town girl through and through. Born and raised in Ozark, AR, she’s been everything from school teacher to a state Representative candidate. Gwen is a mother, author, English professor, an award-winning columnist–and now, a podcast host. On this podcast, Gwen sits down for thoughtful conversations that move fluidly from politics in Arkansas to big, deeply human questions about love, vulnerability, faith, identity, and what it means to stay connected in a digital world. Vulnerable, true, and deeply small town. Join the conversation at gfaulkenberry@hotmail.com! New episodes drop every other week.

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