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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Jun 17

    Immigration, Identity & Arkansas Politics with Dr. Alejandra Campos

    From Springdale to the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN and back to Arkansas, Dr. Alejandra Campos shares her family’s powerful immigration story and how it shaped her work as a political science professor at the University of Arkansas. In this episode of Small Town Girl, we talk about immigration in Arkansas, growing up as a Latino family in Northwest Arkansas, the poultry industry, voting rights, identity, education, and the complicated realities behind today’s political debates. Alejandra opens up about her parents’ journey from Mexico to Springdale in the 1990s, the sacrifices they made to build a life for their children, and how education, family, and curiosity helped shape her and her siblings’ paths. Read Gwen’s Column: https://www.arkansasonline.com/staff/gwen-faulkenberry/  Opinions are of the host and guests and don't necessarily reflect the views of NWA Democrat-Gazette.

    Immigration, Identity & Arkansas Politics with Dr. Alejandra Campos

  7. Jun 3

    From Trump to “Wokeness”: Why America Feels So Divided

    From rural Arkansas to international law and academia, this episode features an in-depth conversation with legal scholar and author Lisa Pruitt about education, class, politics, identity, and the growing divide in America. Lisa shares her journey growing up in Jasper, Arkansas, becoming a first-generation professional, studying law at the University of Arkansas, and eventually building a career teaching law in California after years spent working across Europe and beyond. Along the way, she opens up about sexism in higher education, culture shock between rural and urban America, and how her relationship with her mother helped shape her understanding of politics and class. Read Gwen’s Column: https://www.arkansasonline.com/staff/gwen-faulkenberry/  Opinions are of the host and guests and don't necessarily reflect the views of NWA Democrat-Gazette. Chapters (00:00:00) - Meet Lisa Pruitt: Small Town Girl(00:04:23) - Lisa Rappeport on Fighting for Women's Rights(00:13:32) - Teaching Retiring at 27(00:17:07) - Teaching Students to Stop Educated Arrogance(00:25:39) - Arkansas Tech Ozark: The Journey of Students(00:28:25) - Arkansas teacher on wokeness and indoctrination(00:36:20) - On the Problem of Ask Where I'm From(00:44:28) - Law School Professors on Their Syllabus(00:52:09) - Breitbart News: Patriotism(00:55:10) - How Can We Heal the Political Divide?(01:00:30) - The New York Times and Conspiracy Theories(01:10:22) - White Privilege and the Trump conversation(01:12:19) - Law Students on the Right and the Left(01:15:27) - Lisa Pruitt on Personal Responsibility

    From Trump to “Wokeness”: Why America Feels So Divided

  8. May 20

    A Hidden Lavender Dream in Eureka Springs

    Welcome back to Small Town Girl! In this special episode, we step out of the studio and into a breathtaking lavender field just outside Eureka Springs. And trust me, it’s as magical as it sounds. I’m joined by my longtime friend Kat, who shares the incredible story behind her journey from art teacher to lavender farm owner and entrepreneur. What started as a simple dream turned into a full-blown passion project filled with purpose, beauty, and community. If you love small-town charm, inspiring stories, and scenic escapes, this is a place you’ll want to add to your list. Check them out: https://lagrangelavender.com/ Listen & Subscribe! Read Gwen’s Column: https://www.arkansasonline.com/staff/gwen-faulkenberry/ Opinions are of the host and guests and don't necessarily reflect the views of NWA Democrat-Gazette. Chapters (00:00:00) - Small Town, Girl(00:02:06) - Vinovating a Barn(00:05:11) - A caregiver's dream to retire to a lavender farm(00:09:33) - Farmers grow lavender in Northwest Arkansas(00:16:01) - Exploring a cow pasture in Eureka Springs(00:18:47) - Farmworkers renovating a barn(00:21:51) - How I Met My Husband On Christian Mingle(00:27:29) - Where Everything Clicks: Lavender Cafe(00:32:24) - Bachelor in the Barn(00:33:55) - What Do You Provide For a Wedding Venue?(00:35:23) - Kat's dream: The Lavender Bloom

    A Hidden Lavender Dream in Eureka Springs
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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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