Discover Fort Smith

Discover Fort Smith
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  • 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. 1D AGO

    How High School Students Are Landing Jobs Before Graduation with Peak Innovation Center

    In this episode of the Discover Fort Smith Podcast, Josh Buchfink and Emily Horn sit down with Stephanie Freeman, Director of Career & Technical Education at Peak Innovation Center. Stephanie shares how Peak is transforming education by connecting high school students with hands-on career training, industry partnerships, and real job opportunities before graduation. From advanced manufacturing and healthcare programs to cybersecurity, construction, and graphic design, Peak Innovation Center is helping students across the River Valley discover career paths, build confidence, and gain industry-recognized skills. Stephanie also discusses how Peak partners with local businesses to meet workforce needs, why not every student’s path has to begin with a traditional college route, and how creating a different kind of learning environment is changing lives for students across the region. Relevant Links Peak Innovation Center: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/peak-innovation-center/2159/University of Arkansas – Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/university-of-arkansas-fort-smith/664/Chaffee Crossing Trails: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/things-to-do/outdoors/Fort Smith Trails & Outdoor Recreation: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/things-to-do/outdoors/Fort Smith Skate Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/fort-smith-skate-park/1800/Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce: https://www.fortsmithchamber.com/Discover Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/Las Americas Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/las-americas-too/1795/Paizi’s Gyros Mediterranean Grill: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/paizis-gyros-mediterranean-grill/1747/

    35 min

  2. 2D AGO

    How Girls Inc. Changes Lives in Fort Smith

    In this episode of the Discover Fort Smith Podcast, Josh Buchfink and Emily Horn sit down with Amanda Daniels, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Fort Smith. Amanda shares the incredible 92-year history of Girls Inc., how the organization empowers girls to become “strong, smart, and bold,” and the impact their after-school programs, outreach initiatives, sports leagues, and leadership development opportunities have on young girls across the Fort Smith area. Amanda also discusses the importance of community support, volunteer coaches, transportation needs, and the growing partnerships helping Girls Inc. expand its reach into local schools. Plus, hear about life in Fort Smith, local restaurants, downtown shopping, and why Fort Smith continues to be such a supportive and family-friendly community. Relevant Links Girls Inc. of Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/girls-inc-of-fort-smith/2180/University of Arkansas – Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/university-of-arkansas-fort-smith/664/Fort Smith Downtown Shopping & Dining: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/things-to-do/shopping/Fort Smith Riverfront & River Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/things-to-do/outdoors/The Hangout Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/the-hangout/2144/Western Arkansas Ballet: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/western-arkansas-ballet/1544/Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/

    23 min

  3. MAY 6

    Why Ballet Still Matters in 2026 | Jared Mesa on Dance, Discipline & Art

    In this episode of the Discover Fort Smith Podcast, Josh and Emily sit down with Jared Mesa of Western Arkansas Ballet to talk about his journey from Yuma, Arizona to Fort Smith and how a background in sports, martial arts, and theater eventually led him into the world of classical ballet. Jared shares the history of Western Arkansas Ballet, what it takes to train dancers, and why ballet remains an important and evolving art form today. The conversation dives into the discipline behind dance, the physical and artistic demands of ballet, and how Western Arkansas Ballet is creating opportunities for dancers of all ages in the River Valley. Jared also discusses the organization’s performances, community partnerships, and why anyone curious about ballet should experience a show for themselves. Whether you're a longtime arts supporter or have never attended a ballet before, this episode offers a fascinating look inside one of Fort Smith’s longest-running arts organizations. Relevant Links Western Arkansas Ballet: https://www.waballet.org/ Fort Smith Regional Art Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/fort-smith-regional-art-museum/429/The Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/the-bakery-district/611/King Opera House: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/king-opera-house/835/UAFS Windgate Art & Design Building: https://uafs.edu/Fort Smith Symphony: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/fort-smith-symphony/1173/Downtown Fort Smith Dining: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/restaurants/Patrick’s Butcher Boy Burgers: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/patricks-butcher-boy-burgers/1015/

    34 min

  4. MAY 5

    Building a Stronger Fort Smith: Inside the Boys & Girls Club with Beth Presley

    In this episode of the Discover Fort Smith Podcast, we sit down with Beth Presley, CEO of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs, to talk about the power of community and creating opportunities for local youth. Beth shares her journey from marketing and athletics to nonprofit leadership, and how her diverse background fuels her passion for serving Fort Smith. We dive into the impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs across the city—from afterschool programs and STEM labs to the brand-new Teen Center that’s bringing together students from across the region. Hear how these programs are shaping the next generation through mentorship, education, and real-world experiences. Beth also highlights inspiring success stories, community partnerships, and exciting events like the annual fishing derby and golf tournament. This episode is a powerful reminder that Fort Smith’s future is built through connection, opportunity, and showing up for one another. Relevant Links: Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-district Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/janet-huckabee-nature-center Ben Geren Regional Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/ben-geren-regional-park Fort Smith Regional Art Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-regional-art-museum Fort Smith Museum of History: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-museum-of-history

    33 min

  5. APR 23

    Meet the Woman Behind Fort Smith’s Strongest Nonprofit Connections

    What happens when passion meets purpose? In this episode, we sit down with Emily Treadaway, a dynamic leader whose energy, fundraising talent, and ability to connect people are transforming Fort Smith’s nonprofit landscape. Now leading the Center for Nonprofits at the UAFS Center for Economic Development, Emily shares how she’s helping strengthen a community already rich in volunteerism. From building meaningful connections to putting resources to work where they matter most, her impact is felt across the region. Recorded at The Bakery District, this conversation highlights the power of community, collaboration, and finding the role that truly fits. If you care about nonprofit leadership, community growth, or simply love stories of people making a difference—this episode is for you. 📍 Filmed at The Bakery District – The Cooler Room🤝 In partnership with the City of Fort Smith, Arkansas Relevant Links: The Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-districtUniversity of Arkansas – Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/university-of-arkansas-fort-smithFort Smith Regional Art Museum (community & culture connection): https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-regional-art-museumFort Smith National Historic Site: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-national-historic-siteThe Unexpected (public art & community collaboration): https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/the-unexpected

    35 min

  6. APR 15

    From Storm Chasing to Forecasting | Zachary Hall’s Journey

    In this episode of the Discover Fort Smith podcast, we sit down with Zachary Hall—better known as Arkansas Storm Tracker—to talk about the wild world of storm chasing, forecasting, and building one of the fastest-growing weather platforms in the state. Zachary shares how his passion for weather started as a kid drawing tornadoes, eventually leading to a full-time storm chasing career capturing footage for major networks like CNN and NBC. From close calls with tornadoes and hurricanes to the realities of chasing storms for a living, this conversation dives deep into both the thrill and the danger. We also explore his transition from storm chasing to launching the Arkansas Weather Network, how he’s using social media to keep Arkansans informed in real-time, and why he chose to stay rooted in the Fort Smith region. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to chase a tornado—or how weather forecasting is evolving—this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Relevant Links: Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-districtFort Smith Regional Art Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-regional-art-museumFort Smith National Historic Site: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-national-historic-siteU.S. Marshals Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/national-us-marshals-museumJanet Huckabee Nature Center: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/janet-huckabee-nature-centerBen Geren Regional Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/ben-geren-regional-park

    40 min

  7. APR 15

    The Secret to Great Leadership (Most People Miss This) | Dr. Kim Gordon

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kim Gordon from the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith Center for Economic Development to explore leadership, diversity, and the power of serving others. From her early experiences helping refugee communities in Fort Smith to building impactful workforce development programs, Dr. Gordon shares how compassion and cultural understanding shape stronger organizations and communities. We also dive into her unique journey from corporate leadership at Tyson Foods to academia, the evolving challenges of today’s workforce, and why diversity is one of the greatest strengths a community can have. Plus, hear the inspiring story behind her family-run children’s book company, Fancy Pants Publishing. This episode is packed with insight on leadership, resilience, and what makes Fort Smith such a special place to live, work, and grow. Relevant Links: Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-districtU.S. Marshals Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/national-us-marshals-museumFort Smith National Historic Site: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-national-historic-siteFort Smith Museum of History: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-museum-of-historyFort Smith Regional Art Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-regional-art-museumParrot Island Waterpark: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/parrot-island-waterparkJanet Huckabee Nature Center: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/janet-huckabee-nature-centerBen Geren Regional Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/ben-geren-regional-park

    52 min

  8. APR 2

    How Community Connections Is Changing Lives in Fort Smith - Madilyn Lovell

    In this episode of the Discover Fort Smith podcast, Josh Fink sits down with Madilyn Lovell, Area Director of Community Connections Arkansas, to explore how inclusive, free programs are transforming lives across the Fort Smith community. From sports and arts to family support groups, Community Connections is helping children with special needs build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging. Madilyn shares powerful stories of impact, the importance of creating inclusive spaces, and how Fort Smith’s strong community spirit is helping these programs grow. If you’re looking for ways to get involved, give back, or simply be inspired by meaningful change happening locally—this episode is for you. Relevant Links: Fort Smith Convention Center (ArcBest Performing Arts Center): https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-convention-center Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-district Fort Smith Coffee Company: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-coffee-company Creekmore Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/creekmore-park Martin Luther King Jr. Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/martin-luther-king-jr-park Carol Ann Cross Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/carol-ann-cross-park

    22 min
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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
    67
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Discover Fort Smith
  • Show Website
    Discover Fort Smith