Cookin' Up A Story w/ Aaron and Joe

When Simon Lisun was four-years-old, his family moved from Ukraine to the United States. Simon and his siblings didn't speak English, they didn't know many people in the US, and they'd never been before moving. In this episode, Simon discusses growing up, falling in love with the country, and his fondness for a cabbage dish that takes six hours to make. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #ukraine #russia #ussr #immigrants #cabbage #drywall #oligarchs 

In part two of our discussion with Rusty Guenard, we get into the Civil War, different schools of reenactment, and why the reasons brothers fought against brothers wasn't as simple as it's often presented. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #civilwar #reenactment #civilwarreenactment #slavery #arkansas #arkansawyer 

Rusty Gunard knows his history. And on this episode, he shares it with us. From facts about the Civil War to a discussion of the other forgotten war to cannon balls, this conversation has it all, so much so, that there's no reason to hype it further, though there if hang around for the whole thing, you might hear some rare greenroom banter at the end. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #arkansas #arkansashistory #arkansawtraveler #arkansawyer #civilwar #warof1812 #revolutionarywar #muskets #cannons #artillery

On part two of the Joe, Justin, and Rich episode, we get into dinner, NASCAR, dogs, sleeping arrangements for dogs, and more. It's all rabbit holes and left turns and it's a good one, give it a listen. #dogs #dinner #supper #nascar #dogsonfurniture #amigos #friends #hashtag 

On the latest episode, Joe, Justin, and Rich flew solo. No Joe, no Adam, no guest. Instead, it's all rabbit holes. In it, we discussed camping, history, and more. Give it a listen, its a good one. #rabbithole #camping #rusharkansas #ghosttown 

On the latest episode, Shane Linn joins us to discuss Melbourne, Arkansas, country living, orbs, and wild men. A longtime friend of the show, Shane is one of storyteller's storyteller, even if he didn't necessarily know he was going to be today's guest. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #Melbournearkansas  #bigfoot #wildmen #spices #seasonings #orbs #fires #countryliving 

Kesha Wilson, owner of Patrick's Burgers in Springdale, grew up in the restaurant she now runs. First opened by her grandparents, then by her parents, Kesha is a third-generation slinger of the finest burgers in Northwest Arkansas. In this episode, hear her discuss her upbringing, the restaurant, and why she loves doing what does. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #burgers #patricksburgersspringdale #patricksburgers #beef #beeftallow #fries #milkshakes #malts #peanutbutter #bigfoot 

In part two of our discussion with Noah and Shane Kirby and Rob Daugherty, we get into preservation of the Cherokee language, a language spoken by only 1500-2000 of the roughly 466,000 Cherokee people alive today. We also discuss the skill'li -- who may or may not pilot helicopters -- food, casinos, healthcare, and more. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #cherokee #Cherokeelanguage #skillli #casinos #reservations #helicopter 

Shane and Noah Kirby and Rob Daugherty are on a mission to preserve Cherokee heritage. In part one of our latest, hear them discuss language, culture, and the future of tribal peoples. From the Trail of Tears to the State of Neosho, the trio offer a glimpse into what it's like being a Native American in 2026. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #Cherokee #language #Oklahoma #TrailOfTears #Kamama #Neosho #nativeamerican #indigenous #tribe 

On part two of our conversation with Tommy Rollins, we get into estate sales, the art of the deal, and what his goals are when he's hosting one. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #estatesale #auctioneer #marijuana #BellaVistaArkansas 

Possible Colonel Tommy Rollins has many passions in life, most revolving around service to others. Whether helping families hold a successful estate sale, keeping a customer from getting overcharged on car repairs, or advocating for readily-available marijuana, his focus has always remained on bettering the lives of those around him. In part one of our latest, we hear Tommy break down his past, how he ended up in the slammer, and why you should always trust your gut. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #marijuana #auction #auctioneer #estatesale #interstatecommerce #oem

For part two of our discussion with Joe Wilson, we got into weight lifting, sleep, amino acids, and other healthy things. We also wonder when we all got so thirsty and try to figure out what a healthy seasoning blend would look like. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #weightlifting #protein #carbs #aminoacids #colon #surgery 

For the latest Cookin' Up a Story, we talk with former Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleader Joe Wilson. Has Joe been hiding a secret no one would expect? Is this another version of Joe who traveled across the multiverse to sit down for an interview? Or is Joe Wilson simply not that uncommon of a name? Find out the answers to those questions, as well as learn about stealing dry cleaning and getting cold calls from coeds, in this episode. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #joewilson #doppelganger #multiverse #cheer #cheerleading #razorbacks 

In part two of the latest episode of Cookin' Up a Story with Adam and Rich, we delve into how guest Brian Waters came to open a cigar shop. We also discuss the entire process of making a cigar, from growing the tobacco to rolling the cigars to proper aging. We also get into why that Cuban you so enjoyed was probably fake, a truth Rich took personally. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #cigars #dominicanrepublic #honduras #nicaragua #honduras #lounge #secretdoor 

In this episode of Cookin' Up a Story with Adam and Rich, we get into how the rest of the crew has trouble with calendars, law enforcement, potentially crooked cops, going undercover, and how to not graduate from college. And that's just the beginning of our conversation with Brian Waters of Open Door Cigars in Fayetteville, AR. To say he's a storyteller par excellence who saved us from disaster is an understatement. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #college #lawenforcement #undercover #ralphbartley #cocaine #crack #weed #chairs

1922's "In a Grove," a short story by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, is a study into the nature of truth. It centers around the death of a samurai, with four different accounts of how he came to meet his demise being presented. Akira Kurosawa, without whom there would be no "Star Wars," adapted the short story into his 1950 film "Rashomon." This episode is neither of those things, but we do get into Helen Keller, Christmas, the Tooth Fairy, and what it is exactly that makes something a lie. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #rashomon #truth #lies #christmas #toothfairy #trading #rabbithole 

Did you hear the one about the cornhole champion with no limbs who shot and killed his best friend? What about the time that Martinez caught a hammerhead? Also, what kind of sidearm should Producer Rich start carrying? Find out the answer to these and more in our latest episode. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #chucknorris #cornhole #baggo #sharks #hammerhead #rabbithole 

On part two of our latest, we get into guest Matt Blaty's time at the happiest place on earth, singing the national anthem, and life after Disney. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #disney #nationalanthem #liveshots #marketing #success #rabbithole

Matt Blaty has 11 brothers and sisters, once lived on Catalina Island off the coast of California, pitch-sung the National Anthem at a baseball game, and loves catfish. And those facts only scratch the surface. In this episode, hear him tell us about growing up in such a large family, what it's like living on a one-road island, and why he fell in love with track. It's got a few twist and turns, but he always stays out front. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #california #catalinaisland #track #calpolypomona #catfish #rabbithole 

In part two of our discussion with the Wells Brothers, listen to Mike and JD discuss the fact that Matt has more lives than a cat, what saved his life, and how his walks on the wild side affected the family. They also get into what it takes to run an institution, the importance of the staff, and why they like to keep the menu simple. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #catfish #catfishjohns #prison #caraccident #fordpinto 

Mike and J.D. Wells' father didn't grow up in the restaurant industry, he fell into it after eating some fried catfish and realizing Northwest Arkansas needed a place that served the same. Despite the enormous challenges that come with opening an eatery, he succeeded. In this episode, hear Mike and J.D. discuss how a simple meal ended up creating a regional institution. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #catfish #catfishjohns #smallbusiness #cornmeal #frying #grease

In this all rabbit hole episode, we get into false Spring, Bradford pears, gardening as a service, geopolitics, property lines, Epstein, and more. What more, you ask? There is also a discussion on  farmers markets and whether or not they've been corrupted, representative government, and sherbet. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #sherbet #buffets #epsteinfiles #representative #gardening #bradfordpears #geopolitics #rabbithole 

On this episode, Joe, Adam, and Rich get into movie star Joe Wilson's trip to the Delmarva region of the country to learn about all things muskrat. From cooking methods to local history to colorful local characters, Joe spins yarns, while avoiding quicksand. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #muskrat #delmarva #marsh #cooking #chitterlings #quicksand 

On this episode, we dive into the intriguing and death defying life of Lang Tang. Lang tells his story about living in the jungles of Vietnam, becoming a monk, surviving the killing fields of Cambodia on multiple occasions, to eventually landing in NW Arkansas and running a donut shop. If you are as fascinated with Lang's story as we were, be sure to pick up his book "Hold Fast." #cambodia #northwestarkansas #donuts #killingfields

Hollywood Superstar Joe Wilson has an idea, one that could revolutionize men's decor. That idea? Rebrand the mancave to the Man Museum. Instead of treating it as an assemblage of treasures picked up along the way, treat it as your future history, one that can be used to tell your story when you leave this mortal coil. A place that can also be used to store luggage, which we're all packing at different times, before taking off in the floating misery that is air travel. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #mancave #museum #decor #flying #packing #luggage 

Water, sweet tea, and weight loss are on the menu for this week's episode. With Brent Wells in the studio, it's an all rabbit hole episode, one in which we discuss dehydration, Yankee mistakes when it comes to tea, and the scam that is bottled water. We also remember our brother John Connors and discuss the genius of Robert Duvall. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #tea #sweettea #water #bottledwater #rabbitholes 

With Lucas Ingersoll and Layne Martinez in the studio, for this one we get into 2-stroke vs 4-stroke engines, racing, engine maintenance, meconium, diapers, and more. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #diapers #diapergenie #meconium #engines #2stroke #4stroke #DCT #VCT #rabbitholes 

For this episode, we had a bona fide movie star in the studio -- Joe Wilson. Fresh from his trip to attempt to spear a sturgeon while enjoying tropical Lake Michigan conditions, this celebrity has a story to cook up. From travel to OSHA violations to the joys of ice fishing, movie star Joe Wilson spins a helluva yarn about his expedition, with a little help from special guests Lucas Ingersoll and Layne Martinez. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #sturgeon #thirstysturgeon #michigan #lakemichigan #icefishing 

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and that means it's time to buy some jewelry. There are many routes you could take, but buying a diamond, particularly one from a small merchant who offers a personal touch, is a route that won't take you down the wrong path. In this episode, hear Chad Comeau and Chris Keller discuss their path into the world of jewels, how to shop for your lady, and why full-service jewelers still matter. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #diamonds #jewels #jewelry #valentinesday 

Chad Comeau and Chris Keller didn't set out to become Kansas City Chiefs superfans, but they definitely ended up becoming Chiefs superfans. In this episode, listen to them talk about their journey, the origins of the war wagon, going to the big game, and tailgating. Even if your team, like theirs, isn't playing Sunday, they'll get you ready to throw down. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #tailgating #ChiefsKingdom #blackstonegriddle #superbowl 

In part two of our conversation with Katie Eaves, we get into everything you need to do to prepare for your death. From finding a spot to dig your own grave to sourcing lumber to build your coffin, Katie guides us through the process to make it easier on our loved ones when we do pass. Or instead she talks about the legal things we actually have to do so our family can just call the man for the other stuff. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #EstatePlanning #funeralplanning #eulogy #Obituary 

While many of us think about what we want to do before we die, rarely do we think about planning for what happens with our assets, mementos, leftover whiskey, and dogs after we go. In this episode, we talk with attorney Katie Eaves who specializes in just such things. Do you need a will or a trust? Does it matter if you don't have much to leave? Can you torment people from beyond the grave? Find out the answers to these questions and more. Give it a listen, it's a good one.#Attorneys #estateplanning #wills #trusts #scavengerhunts 

For part two of our latest, Joe, well, Joe tells a story, one involving a dirt road, some Old Crow whiskey, a heifer, and a Rottweiler, among other characters. There's also a diner, a Suzuki Samurai, and while it no funny, it is funny. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #cows #heifers #dirtroads #rottweiler #Lariat #oldcrow #cbradio 

For this episode, Joe, Adam, and Rich went raw. No guest. No planned topics. Just talking. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #muskratlove #rabbitholes #contests #cooking #rawdog 

Michael Nimmo's time as an active duty Marine was cut short, not by injury but behavior. Once he was back in Arkansas, lacking a mission, he continued down a dark path he'd begun in the service. In part two of our conversation with him, listen to Nimmo discuss his tumble to the bottom and his journey back up, one that's ongoing. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #marines #dicksonstreet #alcohol #drugs #redemption

For the latest episode, former Marine Michael Nimmo joins us in the studio to discuss pickles. We also get into different types of pickles. There are also discussions of boot camp, the War on Terror, military service, and what motivates men to serve. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #marines #pickles #dillpickles #breadandbutterpickles #bootcamp #usa 

For part two of our latest conversation with Gan Nunnally, we get into the Fireball Run, the Civil War, history across America, and a variety of other topics, including why now is the time for you to buy a new car. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #fireballrun #cannonballrun #civilwar #history #jamesberry #moonshine #maplesyrup #lawsfractured

Gan Nunnally is back in the studio for this one, sharing tales about his latest travels, space, aliens, and selling Corvettes, though not to space aliens. We also dive into the changes Northwest Arkansas has seen over the years, classic cars, and more. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #corvette #Chevrolet #NASA #spaceshuttle #satellite #thetruthisoutthere

In part two of our conversation with Jim Totten about his book "Rescue Me," we find out how he got Spin home from Afghanistan, what life with him was like, and why animals are so crucial to human existence. We also get into Christmas presents, city life, and go down various other rabbit holes. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #afghanistan #centralasianshepherd #dogs #horses #cities #pigeon Spirit Box PodcastDespite being placed on sabbatical for her supernatural research, Professor Toni...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

In the first episode of season 5, friend of the show Jim Totten joins us to discuss his new book "Rescue Me," a story about growing up, animals, and bringing home a dog from Afghanistan. In true Cookin' Up a Story style, though, the conversation went totally off the rails into a variety of other topics. Don't worry, though, we actually discuss the book in part two. Part one is a good one, too, though, give it a listen. #afghanistan #dogs #centralasianshepherd #rabbitholes #footbread 

In our final episode of 2025, we took a step back and let all the listeners who joined us for the white elephant party tell their stories. From portals to, well, portals and box stands to (unregulated) boxing matches, this one has a bit of everything. It's a good one, give it a listen.#newyear #fighting #police #lsd #stories #valueforvalue 

What happens when over 20 people gather in the studio for a white elephant exchange, one that occurs while recording an episode with no real theme? Lots of things, but mainly shenanigans, insults, and lots of theft along with our gift to those of you who weren't able to attend: rabbit hole after rabbit hole. Merry Christmas and give it a listen, it's a good one. #christmas #dirtysanta #whiteelephant #cacti #gifts #holidays 

For part two of our conversation with Gage Obert, we got into his journey into trap shooting, shotguns, and getting kids into the sport. Ralph Bartley also stopped by to discuss hunting dogs, field trials, and what it takes to make a champion. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #shotguns #clayshooting #trapshooting #dogs #fieldtrials 

What do you do when a friend's son misbehaves? What is OCD? How many times should you say the same prayer a night? Does plastic break wood? And, lastly, how do frozen Airheads compare to shotguns? Find out the answers to those questions, and more, in the latest episode. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #trapshooting #shotguns #samurai #sword #balls #airheads 

In part two of our conversation with Dr. Sarah and Heather Knife Chief, we discuss informed consent, alternative approaches to health, natural remedies, and ancient wisdom. We also get into fasting, toxins, and why simpler is sometimes better when it comes to treatments. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #wolfband #pawnee #NativeAmerican #nativemedicine ##medicineman #hallucinogen 

Audience favorite Dr. Sarah Knife Chief returned for the latest episode, bringing her sister Heather with her. In a wide ranging conversation, we discussed the Outsiders, native healing, the need to be close to our food, speaking to our water, and why mosquitos might serve a purpose. Give it a listen, it's a good one.  #nativeamerican #nativehealing #pawnee #wolfband #NaturalHealing 

After years spent grinding, Fredy Romero left behind the 9-5 life and started his own business. Working alongside his wife, he developed an event venue that can hosts concerts, quinceaneras, weddings, and more. In part two of our discussion with him, we find out how he went from NTI and Campbells to owning the Metroplex, how he celebrated his 50th birthday, and his fondness for classic cars. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #quinceanera #2livecrew #birthdays #dj #family

Fredy Romero came to the United States when he was five years old and almost immediately went to work with his father. Together, alongside his mother and a growing team, they ran Romero's Produce, a grocery store on wheels that served communities without adequate access to fresh goods. Fredy never stopped working and, over time, built himself up into an entrepreneur running his own business. Along the way, though, there was a lot of other output for others. In this one, hear Fredy tell the crew why Romeros always produce. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #migration #mexico #produce #farming #crabfishing #entrepreneur #dj #club 

John Collins got his start as a security guard. After that, he became a police officer, a career in which he was known for making DUI arrests. There was one incident, though, that changed his outlook on the approach to DUIs and another which dampened his desire to confront bad guys in the wild. Those experiences led him to pursue a career as an attorney, first as a prosecutor and then as a defender. In this episode, hear his wild stories, the reasons for his career moves, and why he decided to become a scum-sucking criminal defense attorney. Give it a listen, it's a good one. Follow John on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok. #attorney #johncollins #dui #dwi #jcpenney #defense #criminaldefense #getsome 

While the year isn't over, we at Cookin' Up a Story are thankful. We're blessed with great families, great friends, great guests, and great stories. In this one, we debate Thanksgiving foods, discuss alternative recipes, and reflect on the episodes we've put out this year. Happy Thanksgiving and give it a listen, it's a good one. #thanksgiving #turkey #ham #dressing #pie #eggs #friedturkey 

Brad Steele doesn't think of himself as a tweaker even though he is an addict. He works, he won't steal your copper, and he doesn't like associating with people who do. He's also a fan of venomous snakes, taxidermy, and other pursuits that sleeping much less than most affords him the time to do. In part two of our discussion with Brad and his son Keith, we get deeper into the strange life of this modern day outlaw. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #meth #copper #snakes #taxidermy #studying #adderall