SO NWA

SO NWA

Discover the heart of Northwest Arkansas through original stories that inspire and connect. SO NWA is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the unique voices, experiences, and industries that make this region thrive. From local innovators to community leaders, we explore the stories that shape our vibrant community while fostering connections and serving others across all walks of life. Whether you're passionate about the outdoors, real estate, or the arts, SO NWA has something for everyone who loves and lives in NWA.

Episodes

15. No Ceilings, No Limits: The Vision of Christina Meister

August 1, 2025 • 64 mins
Episode 15- This week on SO NWA, we sit down with Christina Meister, principal of Grace Hill Elementary, whose journey from classroom teacher to school leader is rooted in a deep commitment to her students and community. Christina opens up about discovering Northwest Arkansas, the “why” that keeps her going, and the vision she has for every child at Grace Hill—one with no ceilings and no barriers. We talk about the school events th...
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14. More Than a Pub: The Kevin Bennoch Story

July 18, 2025 • 64 mins
14. On this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Kevin Bennoch — Peace Corps alum, former teacher, and the founder of Bentonville’s beloved Pedaler’s Pub. Kevin shares how years spent living in Fayetteville shaped his love for Northwest Arkansas, but it was Bentonville where he planted roots and built something lasting.We talk about his journey from teaching to entrepreneurship, his vision for creating a community-centered pub, and ...
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13.Power Couple in NWA: Building Together with Phil & Nicole Shepard

July 4, 2025 • 65 mins
Episode 13-In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Phil and Nicole Shepard — a dynamic duo in Northwest Arkansas who are making waves in both real estate and tech.Phil shares the story of his move from Chicago and how that led to the creation of All Things NWA, a platform built to connect and highlight the local community. Together, Phil and Nicole dive into their journey of launching Client Keeper CRM, a tool designed to help ...
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12. Keys, Advice & Local Gems: A Real Estate Talk with The Diaz Team

June 20, 2025 • 66 mins
Episode 12- We sit down with Francisco Diaz and Maricruz Gonzalez for a laid-back and insightful conversation about all things real estate. Whether you're a first-time buyer or just curious about the market, we share practical tips every buyer should know, plus the best advice we've received in both business and life. We also dive into how and why we each got started in real estate and share some of our favorite local spots around ...
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11.Building Community with Patrick Pulliam – Founder of The Patio Community

June 5, 2025 • 69 mins
In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Pulliam, founder of The Patio community in Northwest Arkansas. Patrick shares his journey growing up in NWA, moving to Texas with his family, and ultimately making the decision to return on his own after high school to reconnect with his roots. Now a real estate executive broker with Harris Heights Realty, Patrick opens up about fatherhood, local favorites (including some go-to restaurants)...
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10. Finding Your Lane: Jeff Smith’s Journey to the Classroom

May 23, 2025 • 59 mins
In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Smith, assistant football coach and teacher at Elmwood Middle School. Jeff shares his journey of moving from Batesville, Arkansas to Northwest Arkansas in the mid-2000s with his wife, unsure of what the future would hold. He opens up about how the opportunities in NWA helped him explore different career paths, ultimately leading him into education.Jeff talks about his passion for serving the c...
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Forged by the Corps: Fermin’s Way Forward

May 2, 2025 • 61 mins
In this powerful episode, JC sits down with longtime friend Fermin Sandoval—a proud Northwest Arkansas native and active-duty U.S. Marine. Growing up without much guidance, Fermin found direction the day a Marine recruiter visited his high school. That moment set him on a path that would take him across the globe, from serving with the prestigious HMX-1 unit at the White House to living in Japan, and eventually returning home to re...
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8. Legacy in the Skies and the Ozarks with John-Rex Spivey

April 24, 2025 • 61 mins
Episode 8 - In this episode, we sit down with John Rex Spivey, a proud Northwest Arkansas native with a fascinating story. From serving as a Navy helicopter pilot to working on Capitol Hill, he also held roles as the first Director of the Naval Junior Officer Council and as an International Relations Officer for the Chief of Naval Personnel. John’s journey is one of service and dedication. We dive into his family’s deep-rooted hist...
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7. Armed with Knowledge: Laura Ruoff on Training and Empowerment

April 10, 2025 • 63 mins
Episode 7-This week on SO NWA, We're hanging out with Laura Ruoff — A self-defense and firearms instructor, and the founder of Hips n Clips. Just a few years ago, Laura had no idea she'd be diving deep into the world of personal protection and training. After moving all over the country, she and her family finally found their home in Bentonville, Arkansas — and they’ve been loving it ever since. Now, through Hips n Clips, Laura’s o...
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6. Leading the Next Generation with Heart: Martin Resendiz

March 27, 2025 • 59 mins
Episode 6 - In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Martin Resendiz, a dedicated middle school principal who recently became a father. He shares his passion for working with kids, how their energy and resilience inspired him to step into leadership, and how life’s challenges shaped him into the person he is today. From overcoming dark times to embracing the power of perseverance, Martin’s story is one of hope, dedication, and n...
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5. From Pastor to Homebuilder: Johnny Templeton’s Journey

March 13, 2025 • 51 mins
Episode 5 - In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Johnny Templeton from Schuber Mitchell Homes to hear his incredible journey from ministry to the homebuilding industry. Johnny shares the story of how he and his family moved to Northwest Arkansas, the transition from being a pastor to working at Schuber Mitchell, and how his passion for people drives his leadership. We dive into how he pours love and support into his employee...
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4. From Rogers to Resilience: Yesenia Sanabria’s Passion for Helping Others

February 28, 2025 • 57 mins
Episode 4 - In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Yesenia Sanabria , a passionate local mortgage lender who grew up in Rogers, Arkansas. She shares her journey of moving around, the experiences that shaped her, and how being a mom fuels her motivation to empower her kids & others. From helping families achieve homeownership to balancing motherhood with ambition, her story is all about resilience, dedication, and making a ...
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3. Shaping the Future: Conversation with Mayor See

February 17, 2025 • 55 mins
Episode 3 - In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Nathan See, the Mayor of Pea Ridge, for an insightful conversation on leadership, daily responsibilities, and exciting updates for the city. We cover it all, from his perspective on community growth to the challenges and rewards of public service.At the end, Nathan answers the question from our previous guest, Kenny Williams from Pedal It Forward: "What is the most lost you ha...
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2. Pedal It Forward: Kenny Williams’ Ride to Make a Difference

February 3, 2025 • 57 mins
Episode 2- In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Kenny Williams from Pedal It Forward, a nonprofit dedicated to providing bikes to those in need and making cycling more accessible in Northwest Arkansas. Kenny shares the impact of their mission, the joy of giving back through bikes, and his unique perspective on what makes NWA special. We also highlight some local favorites, including Bentonville Brewing and Mai Chinese Food T...
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    1. Meet Your Host: Behind the Mic of SO NWA

    February 2, 2025 • 63 mins
    Episode 1 - Welcome to SO NWA is an introduction to your hosts as they share their backgrounds, interests , and what inspired them to launch the podcast. Get to know their connection to Northwest Arkansas, their love for the local community, and what you can expect from future episodes. It’s a personal and welcoming start to the journey of celebrating the people, stories, and beauty of NWA.
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