Here on Cookin' Up a Story, Aaron and Joe discuss a wide variety of free speech topics showcased through laughter and real world experiences. The hosts discuss current events along with treasured memories and unforgettable stories.
The Cookin' Up A Story w/ Aaron and Joe podcast is an absolute gem for anyone who enjoys entertaining and immersive storytelling. As a man who travels for work and lives in the Ozarks, I feel an instant connection with the hosts as they discuss topics like BBQ, beer, hunting, and fishing. It's like I'm right there with them, BSing down the interstate. The camaraderie between Aaron and Joe is infectious, making me feel like I'm part of their group just shooting the breeze. The joking around during the podcast adds a lightheartedness that keeps me engaged and entertained.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the wide range of guests they bring on. From BBQ champions to musicians, barbers, comedians, and more, each episode offers a new perspective and captivating stories. Despite never meeting most of these guests in person, Aaron and Joe create such a natural and engaging atmosphere that you forget you're listening to a podcast. They have a knack for making you feel like you've known them for ages. The conversations flow effortlessly, pulling you right into the dialogue and leaving you eager for more.
If there's one minor downside to this podcast, it's that occasionally the tangents can veer off topic for too long. While I appreciate their humorous banter and honest discussions, there are moments where I wish they would stick closer to the main theme or guest interview. However, this is just a minor drawback in an otherwise fantastic show.
In conclusion, The Cookin' Up A Story w/ Aaron and Joe podcast is a must-listen for its immersive storytelling, delightful guests, and overall sense of camaraderie. Aaron and Joe create an atmosphere that instantly makes you feel like part of their group. Whether through humor or heartfelt conversations, they keep you engaged from start to finish. This podcast is not just about cooking up a story; it's about creating a vibrant conversation that pulls you right in. Five well-deserved stars for this incredible podcast.

In part two of our latest, we get into Troy Currens' new venture, being addicted to stress, and problems versus opportunities. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #problems #opportunity #opportunities #stress #gokart #k1 #inspiration

On this episode, Troy Currens joins us around the campfire as we get into flock cameras, VPNs, and digital privacy in an age of constant surveillance. We also get into importance of having purpose in your life, though, don't worry not purpose in the sense of that self-help book. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #flock #surveillance #vpns #privacy #telescreen #Orwell #purpose

In part two of the latest episode, Shawn Buffalo gets into fighting, fatherhood, electric cars, and more than a few rabbit holes. There's also a discussion of how strippers are like special operations soldiers alongside some other stripper-related topics. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #marinecorps #gwot #strippers #tesla #elonmusk #EVS #fatherhood #singledadlife #squirrels

For the latest episode, Shawn Buffalo headed into the studio to discuss being a Marine, a mechanic, the importance of customer service, the art of fighting, his marriage, and much, much, much more. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #buffalohouse #marinecorps #banana #fighter #mechanic #sears #scubadiving #conchbabies #florida #keywest

In part two of our discussion with Caleb Baker, we get into overlanding into Arizona and New Mexico in the quest to find alien life. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #overlanding #roswell #arizona #newmexico #traviswalton #aliens #ufo #TheTruthIsOutThere

Caleb Baker with Baker Overland sat down with the crew for this one to discuss growing up on acreage as one of nine kids, migrating to the big city, coming home, and getting into overlanding. From developing an interest to learning how to soup up a rig to starting his own family, Caleb has a story to tell. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #bakeroverland #calebbaker #toyota #toyotaoffroad #overland #overlanding #chicago #arkansas

In part two of our conversation with Tommy Cooksey, we need to head back to prison a few more times, then into a relationship based around addiction. But Tommy and his wife weren't destined to lose their battles and, when rock bottom came calling, they made the choice to live life differently. Tommy breaks down their differing rock bottoms, their choice to move to Arkansas, what recovery looks like, and why having a tribe is key. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #addiction #recovery #tribe #prison #unitedstatesofamerica #allfiftystates #ocean

Tommy Cooksey led a hard life. By 14, he had his first felony. From there, he went into a world of drugs, theft, and fighting, one that would continue for decades. In part one of our conversation with him, Tommy goes over his early life, his early crimes, and his first trip to prison. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #prison #felony #crime #theft #redemption

In part two of our discussion with Todd McCowin, we go off on an adventure. From drinking with a cattle rustler in Alpine, Texas to the top of mountains to a raucous discussion about the merits of sweet breakfast foods, this one covers almost as much territory as Todd has on his motorcycle. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #motorcycle #alpine #texas #mtmckinley #colorado #ohio #philosophy #poptart #alaska #denalinationalpark

Todd McCowin has never shied away from adventure. From motorcycles to the Navy, he's lived with caution, if not fear. In this episode, Todd discusses motorcycle racing in the Isle of Man, hiding on an aircraft carrier, and the magic of growing up in Ohio. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #isleofman #IsleOfManTT #navy #ussjfk #ohio #youngtown #barberchair #windshield

On part two of our latest, Rusty Guenard and Gan Nunnally continue their lesson on America's founding, as well as getting into other important moments that led us to becoming the shining country we are today. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #july2 #America250 #revolution #revolutionarywar #georgewashington #benjaminfranklin #timemachine #food

250 years ago the battle for a nation begun. Though it took years, many men, and much treasure, we won and the United States achieved independence. In this episode, Rusty Guenard and Gan Nunnally break down the story of our founding along with providing tips on how to see some of the history for yourself today. Give it a listen, it's a good one. And enjoy your Independence Day!#america #unitedstates #revolutionarywar #history #America250 #georgewashington

In this episode, we get into the vault to reshare episode 25 with Our Buddy Lucky. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #radio #lawenforcement #tinbenders #relationships #friendship #lucky

Jason McNelly is a wild man. Born and raised in Bentonville, Arkansas, he was around for the explosion in population and amenities, not that he always stayed put for them. From Metallica concerts to the Navy, Jason has lived an interesting life. In this episode, here him recount parts of his youth, at least the parts that haven't been redacted, that led him into military service. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #metallica #bentonville #arkansas #boaconstrictor #navy #communications

What are the keys to helping homeowners who want to renovate achieve the best results while staying in budget? What's the difference between camping with kids versus without? Should you cook or should you order? What about if you're cooking for five hungry fireman? Hear Adam, Justin, Mark Holaway, and Rich answer these questions and more in the latest episode. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #construction #camping #campfire #cooking #firemen #restaurants #service

In this one, Mark Holaway steps in to assist Adam, Justin, and Rich as they discuss bad customer service, AI lovers, relationships, and answer a few listener questions. Rich also discovers, though he doesn't say it out loud, that he uses the word "like" more than an '80s valley girl. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #AI #relationships #customerservice #jeep #duckroll #rickroll

After college, Simeon Hinsey felt the pull to go back to school, landing at JBU as an employee and as a doctoral student at the University of Arkansas. Things didn't go exactly as planned, though, and Simeon became a Razorback in more ways than one. In part two, hear him discuss those moves and how they ultimately led to his forming the iYes foundation and combining his passions in life into one purpose. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #basketball #razorbacks #coaching #IYESFoundation #bahamas #CulturalExchange

Simeon Hinsey was born in the Bahamas, but a basketball scholarship led him to Fayetteville, Arkansas when he was 14 years old. In this episode, we hear what life was like for a young Bahamian, how he adjusted once arriving in Arkansas, and how he turned his passion for sports into a lifetime of opportunities, not just for himself, but for others. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #basketball #arkansasrazorbacks #jbu #iyesfoundation #opportunity #bahamas

In part two of our interview with Dekevis Jordan, we get into the transition from Ecoline to Sprinter, going pro, growing up, becoming a fire fighter, and getting married. Dekevis also discusses how he found his way back to God and began a plan for life after bullfighting. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #dekevisjordan #bullfighting #sprintervan #vanlife #christianity #firefighter #ranching #cows

For the latest episode, bullfighter Dekevis Jordan joins us to discuss growing up country, getting into being a cowboy, and van life. From an interest to a way to pay bills while he waited to go to college to a career, Dekevis gets into the path that led him to literally taking bulls by the horns. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #dekevisjordan #bullfighting #bullfighter #rodeo #vanlife #econoline #airconditioning #bulls

In this episode, we're talking cars. Best. Worst. In between. We also get into Barrett Jackson, lemon laws, and the longest root in the world. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #cars #trucks #lemons #lemonade #lemonlaws #carrepairs #airconditioning

In this episode, we get into Joe's new spectacles, fishing, goose killing, fish tails, the Zero Bomb Company, and go down a variety of rabbit holes, including the one time Joe ended up boycotting a local retailer, and then slowly getting his revenge against them. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #glasses #fishing #fish #friedspiders #exchange #revenge

In part two of our conversation with Simon Lisun, we get into his early career goals, becoming a father, starting a business, and being a dirty Russian. Also, hear him praise the United States and outline why his story could only happen here. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #russia #ukraine #medical #medtech #epoxy #fatherhood #construction

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