Four Bars

The heartbeat of thriving communities isn't just in their development plans or economic metrics, it's in the genuine connections between people who call these places home. Robert Burns, Director of Home Region Programs at the Walton Family Foundation, brings this philosophy to life as he shares his journey from a rural North Carolina farm to leading transformative community initiatives in Northwest Arkansas and the Missis...

From a mud-stuck vehicle in the Democratic Republic of Congo to the halls of George Mason University, Dr. Charles Davidson's journey in peace-building offers profound insights into human connection across seemingly insurmountable divides. As both Director of Research and Practice at the Center for Applied Peace Strategies and President of Innovations in Peacebuilding, Davidson brings decades of on-the-ground experience working...

The journey from tactical operator to strategic leader requires more than just a promotion - it demands a fundamental shift in thinking. Brandon Taylor, Senior Vice President of Transportation at JB Hunt Transport, returns to share the pivotal moments and hard-won wisdom from his leadership journey.

Brandon's career path took him from selling furniture in Miami to leading transportation strategy at one of America&apos...

Brandon Taylor, Senior Vice President of Transportation at JB Hunt Transport, takes us on a deeply personal journey through his formative years and the values that have shaped his life and leadership philosophy.

Growing up as a self-described "military brat," Brandon moved constantly throughout his childhood – from Michigan to Wyoming, England, Oklahoma, Germany, and California. This nomadic upbringing forged in ...

Have you ever experienced that moment of frustration when someone isn't approaching a task "the right way" – meaning your way? That universal feeling stands at the heart of disconnection in our relationships, and it's exactly what we tackle in this enlightening episode.

Ken and Patti take us behind the scenes of their growth advisory firm Edges and reveal the origin story of their behavioral assessment ...

Taboos around money conversations can keep us financially stuck for decades. In this enlightening discussion with Iffy Ibekwe, Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at Arvest Wealth Management, we unpack why financial literacy matters and how community-based education can transform our relationship with money.

Iffy shares the origin story of her popular Money Moves Book Club and the successful financial literacy conferen...

What does it take to uproot your family from a city you've called home for 21 years and move to a place you never imagined living? Iffy Ibekwe, Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at Arvest Wealth Management, shares the surprising journey that brought her from Nigeria to Dubai to Austin and finally to Northwest Arkansas.

Iffy's story is a testament to holding plans loosely. Originally set on becoming a neonat...

Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the workplace with our special guest, Vic Miles from Microsoft. Vic sheds light on how AI is automating routine tasks, paving the path for employees to engage in more meaningful work that fosters creativity and collaboration. Could this shift be the catalyst that draws employees back to the office for those invaluable face-to-face interactions? We explore this intriguing possi...

Ever wondered how empathy might be the missing link between cutting-edge technology and real-world business needs? Join us as we chat with Vic Miles, the General Manager for Industry Strategies in the Americas at Microsoft, who brings a wealth of experience from his 15-year journey at the tech giant, including his impactful work with Walmart. Vic offers a fresh perspective on how understanding the end user's experience, even t...

Licensed therapist Jessica Turner returns to the Four Bars podcast to share her expert insights on the complexities of family dynamics during the holidays. Discover the keys to mastering the often-challenging art of setting boundaries and maintaining communication with loved ones. We promise that by the end of this episode, you'll have a toolkit full of strategies for creating a supportive environment, whether with your biolog...

Licensed therapist Jessica Turner joins us to illuminate the often-neglected necessity of self-care during the frenetic holiday season. With her expertise in trauma therapy, Jessica provides actionable insights on how prioritizing our well-being can strengthen personal health and relationships. Prepare to rethink your holiday approach as you learn the crucial importance of securing your own metaphorical oxygen mask before trying to...

Imagine raising nearly $100,000 for charity just by singing your favorite carols with a beer in hand. Casey and Ken Weatherford, the heart and soul behind Beer and Hymns, have turned this vision into reality, and they're here to share their incredible journey with us. From the success of their Beer and Carols event to their thoughtful charity selection process, Casey and Ken reveal how their passion for music and community imp...

How do beer and hymns come together to build a community? In this episode of the Four Bars podcast, we uncover the creative journey of Ken and Casey Weatherford, the innovative minds behind Beer and Hymns. Their story takes us from the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh, where the global tradition of singing hymns in social settings first inspired them, back to their church's Sunday school class, and eventually to a large, thriv...

Step inside the heart of Bentonville with us as we chat with Emily Medlock and Kelsey McIntyre from Blake Street House. Discover how this vibrant social club creates a thriving community hub through its unique blend of amenities, from gourmet dining options to fitness classes and lively social events. Kelsey shares her passion for connecting members with shared interests, revealing how a simple introduction can lead to lasting frie...

Join us for a captivating conversation with Mayor Stephanie Orman of Bentonville, Arkansas, as she reveals the transformative power of strong community connections. From her beginnings in advertising and marketing to her role as a dedicated public servant, Mayor Orman's journey is a testament to the impact of citizen involvement and open communication. Discover how initiatives like the 3-1-1 system and public budget reviews ha...

Mayor Stephanie Orman of Bentonville, Arkansas, joins us to reveal her blueprint for building stronger community bonds. Learn how her academic background in communication and mediation has been pivotal in fostering connections through initiatives like the Great Neighborhoods Program. As we navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic, discover how Mayor Orman and her resilient city team adapted through creative virtual events...

What if the effort you put into finding the perfect internet signal could transform your personal and professional relationships? Join us, Ken and Patti Leith, as we recount our Rocky Mountain escapade to uncover a strong connection—not just digitally, but among our community. Welcome to the Four Bars podcast, where we explore how prioritizing genuine bonds can enhance our lives and inspire you to engage more meaningfully with thos...