Search for episodes from Ozarks at Large with a specific topic:

Latest episodes from Ozarks at Large

Tackling food insecurity at the UofA — The thrill of hunting books

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we learn that food insecurity is widespread in Arkansas, including on the flagship university's campus. We also dive into the world of rare and valuable books in northwest Arkansas.  Plus, we hear about a packed city council meeting in Fayetteville and more.

Gathering ballot measure support — Fort Smith talks shrinking healthcare

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we learn that volunteers across the state are gathering at festivals and farmers' markets to collect signatures for their ballot measures. Plus, we hear that navigating a reduction in hospital services in Fort Smith will be the topic of a town hall tomorrow night. Plus, former Fayetteville resident Uchenna Awoke discusses his new novel, out now. 

Fayetteville gets a new, blue way to recycle — Victory Theatre returns with 'Moonchild'

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we hear residents in Fayetteville are moving from small green recycling bins to big blue recycling bins. Plus, we visit the Victory Theatre in Rogers, which is hosting its first on-stage performance this week after years of renovation from severe tornado damage. And we explain how you - yes, you - can play a role in Fayetteville Public Library's new strategic plan.

OAL Archives: Razordykes, America250, Ozark organic farming

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 54:58


On today's show, we're taking a look back at some of our favorite stories this year, like one detailing a group that's spent 50 years building queer community at the University of Arkansas. Another focuses on how Crystal Bridges recognizes the nuanced history of America's semiquincentennial. We also hear about the Ozark origins of USDA organic farming. 

Swarm speaks to Fayetteville — Raising Arkansas' stroke awareness

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 54:59


On today's show,  we learn that a drone manufacturing company looking to set up shop in Fayetteville held a contentious town hall last night. Plus, Arkansas ranks among the worst in the country for the rate of strokes per capita, and we hear from an advocate for awareness of risk factors and for stroke survivors. We also head to the 34th Congress of New Urbanism.

Supreme Court justice visits Bentonville — Investigating KUAF's AI intern

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we hear about Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett's trip to Bentonville last weekend. Plus, we explore new tech that's helping Ozarks at Large share stories with more people. Plus, we learn about a major street that will temporarily close in Fayetteville.

A new multi-state water trail — Haas Hall tackles National History Day

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we hear that a Siloam Springs kayaking destination is changing from a secret spot to a regionally recognized water trail. We'll also meet two Haas Hall Academy students who've advanced past the state National History Day competition to qualify for the international finals next month. Plus, we learn about a new concert called "Broadway, Bacharach and Bossa Nova."

Clinton School grads head into the world — Sewing into business

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we hear that the next generation of public servants is ready for their work. We also remember that time a Little Rock TV station swung big and launched a daily, one-hour variety show. Plus, we learn about a new business in Fort Smith that's providing an entrepreneur with space and activating a downtown storefront.

'The Wild Wolves of Yellowstone' — War on Women comes to Fayetteville

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 55:00


On today's show, we hear that Doug Smith led the project reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone and plans to speak about it at the Walton Arts Center. Plus, we learn that the music of the feminist punk band War on Women can be brutal, but it's not all based on anger. We also get our weekly River Valley news roundup from Talk Business & Politics.

Arkansas reporter wins Pulitzer Prize — Bioblitz catalogs River Valley species

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we hear from an Arkansas native who received a Pulitzer Prize for local reporting on how tow companies took advantage of low-income residents in Connecticut. Plus, we talk to UAFS students, faculty and members of the community as they catalog as many species of life as they can. We also survey the live music opportunities for the weekend and more.

The implications of Razorback Tennis' end — Jones Center welcomes volunteers

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 55:00


On today's show, we hear the University of Arkansas recently cut its tennis programs and explore what it means for the future of other Razorback sports. Plus, we consider how a new volunteer center may provide pathways out of loneliness. We also learn why excessive screen use can affect our eyes, legs and even our lungs.

College in the age of emerging AI — Scott Simon's storied pets

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we consider whether students and faculty at the University of Arkansas are using Artificial Intelligence responsibly. Plus, we talk with NPR's Scott Simon, who has covered wars, interviewed world leaders, and, in his new book, animals he's known. We also touch base with the Arkansas Advocate about what's happening in Little Rock.

Progress under the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act — American Jewish Heritage Month

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we learn that stakeholders are continuing to make efforts to improve maternal and infant health in Arkansas. We also consider the value of community for the Jewish population in northwest Arkansas. Plus, archives from the Pryor Center.

Jewish history through music — A potato at the marathon

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 55:00


Letters written by a Jewish mother in colonial New York inspire a new song cycle premiering next week at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Plus, a wearable airbag designed for bicyclists, a Northwest Arkansas runner prepares to tackle the Pittsburgh Marathon dressed as a potato, and Burger Week returns to Fayetteville.

Highfill eyes an industrial development authority — A new creative competition

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 54:58


On today's show, we hear a local government is considering forming an industrial development authority. Plus, we learn about a new storytelling invitational that takes a prompt from a legendary Ozarks artist. We also get an interview with Arkansas' Secretary of Commerce.

Investigating health disparities for Hispanic people in Arkansas — Ken Burns' 'American Revolution'

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we dive into a new report that shows major healthcare disparities exist for Arkansas' Hispanic residents. Plus, a new dashboard, informed by the Arkansas Health Survey, gives us insights into the state's health landscape. We also hear more from 'An Evening with Ken Burns' from Crystal Bridges' lecture series.

The (hopeful) end of Arkansas' Fiscal Session — Exploring the South through gas station cuisine

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we hear about the status of a major new state prison originally slated for Franklin County and more details about what is and isn't in the Revenue Stabilization Act. Plus, when was the last time you had livermush for dinner? We examine a new book that collects stories of Southern cuisine. We also take a trip outside with ReWilding Lab.

Investigating USDA cuts — Journalists, citizens explore how to make news better

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we learn that potential cuts in USDA staffing could lead to more issues for farmers in Arkansas and beyond. Plus, we hear that a recent Civics Arkansas session brought news consumers and news makers together. We also take a trip to the Pryor Center archives.

'Brick, Mortar and Beyond' — Disc golf's unexpected rise

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we explore through our new series "Brick, Mortar and Beyond" how operating a successful business in 2026 takes patience, imagination and a connection with customers. We also learn that if you're hitting the course this weekend—the disc golf course—you have options. Plus, we hear about the connection between public media and local bands.

Regional organizations harness the power of the sun — 'God Said Give Em' Drum Machines'

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we hear that a new solar array came online yesterday for the University of Arkansas. Plus, we learn that on Saturday, if you don't have to work, you can play the drums all day. We also get a roundup of this week's live music happenings.

211 connects communities with services — 'Boy Erased' author reacts to ruling

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we learn that 211 in Northwest Arkansas has changed hands, but the service is still just as impactful. Plus, Arkansas native Gerrod Conely, best known for his 2016 memoir Boy Erased about his experience with conversion therapy, discusses the recent Supreme Court ruling against Colorado's ban on such therapy. We also hear from another artist in the Creative Exchange Fund.

Fiscal session hits its stride — Taking 'Pride and Prejudice' to the stage

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we learn what lawmakers are deciding to spend money on, and perhaps most importantly, what not to spend money on. We also consider what it takes to adapt "Pride and Prejudice" for a TheatreSquared production. Plus, we learn about a documentary detailing the fight for the Kiamichi River.

UofA's Gibson Hall honors its past — Ken Burns at Crystal Bridges

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we hear about a new photo exhibit in Gibson Hall that displays the legacy of womanhood on the University of Arkansas campus. Plus, Ken Burns reflects on the myths we've created for a founding father. We also get a new edition of the Pryor Center archives ahead of an in-person event.

Can we beat the heat? — Global trade in the Natural State

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we recognize that warmer weather is here and warmer temperatures are yet to come. But how can the heat affect us?  We also consider which plants are best for your garden with Master Gardeners. Plus, we hear from Talk Business & Politics' Michael Tilley on a dormant prison project and flying pigs… sort of.

Protecting War Eagle Creek — Keeping up with NWA's growth

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we learn that a new conservation easement has been secured on War Eagle Creek. Plus, as northwest Arkansas continues to be one of the fastest-growing metros in the country, we question if the region will keep up. We also try to keep up with an expanding live music landscape.

Autism Acceptance Month — Washington Counties unite (in textiles)

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we examine the shifting perception of autism. We also hear about a cross-country quilt that will be assembled in Washington County, Arkansas, this weekend. Plus, we learn about Onward FX and venture capital in Northwest Arkansas.

Developmental hurdles in Benton County — Fiber optics' Arkansas origins

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we hear that Benton County leaders have decided to squash a plan to create an industrial development authority. We also learn about a team that worked on a project in 1970 that changed so much of what we do now. Plus, we look ahead at the first full week of the Arkansas Legislature's fiscal session.

Solutions for early learning — Further recalling Coach Richardson

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2026 55:00


On today's show, we learn about a new initiative in Arkansas that aims to streamline access to childcare and early childhood education. Plus, our Pryor Center archives focus on the legendary sports figure, Nolan Richardson. We also listen to a brand new edition of Sound Perimeter.

Touring Fine Arts' updated home at the University of Arkansas

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2026 55:00


On today's show, we get a close-up of a $38 million restoration of the historic Fine Arts Center at the University of Arkansas, prepare for the building's new life and reflect on its first opening 75 years ago. We also hear Claudia Burson, who will perform at next week's reopening, on our Steinway.

Governor issues the State of the State — 'This Vast Enterprise' explores Lewis and Clark

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we hear that the Arkansas Legislature's fiscal session kicked off yesterday with a State of the State address from Sarah Huckabee Sanders. We also hear from Craig Fehrman, who spent five years researching his new book about Lewis and Clark and still didn't find everything he wanted. Plus, news from the River Valley courtesy of Talk Business & Politics.

Drone facility in Fayetteville on hold - Rethinking mental illness treatment

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2026 54:59


On today's show, a drone research and production facility in Fayetteville is seeing pushback from concerned residents. Plus, advocating for rethinking mental illness, and the University of Arkansas Theatre opens "Peter and the Starcatcher."

Paid Family Leave in Arkansas - Planet Money: The Book

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2026 54:59


On today's show, a recent report shows that Arkansas' approach to voluntary paid family leave may be making it harder on working mothers. Plus, the NPR podcast Planet Money has moved from the airwaves to the written page. 

Greater access to voter registration — Research retreat focuses on maternal mental health

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2026 54:59


On today's show, A recent court ruling could lead to greater accessibility for voter registration in Arkansas. Plus, scenes from a research retreat focused on maternal mental health. And we hear a brand new Pryor Center Archive on Nolan Richardson.

Opera in the Ozarks' new space — Local quiz bowl team goes to nationals

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we hear about a local opera group taking advantage of the natural beauty of the Ozarks at Inspiration Point Center for the Arts. Plus, we have a preview of the ballet "The Sacred Veil." We also learn how the Woodland Junior High Quiz Bowl team prepares for its championship.

Child Abuse Prevention Month — George's Majestic collaborates with KUAF

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2026 54:57


On today's show, we hear about a local children's shelter that is commemorating the beginning of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Plus, we learn how to balance our bodies and cholesterol. We also get details about the upcoming KUAF Fundraiser concert happening at George's Majestic Lounge.

High-speed cycling in Bella Vista — Buddy Shute talks new record

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2026 54:57


On today's show, we hear about a new gravity bike park opening in Bella Vista. Plus, Buddy Shute talks about his new record and performs for us in the Anthony and Susan Hui News Studio. And we also learn about a new kind of storm shelter.

Stress management's impact on women's health — Previewing the state budget

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 54:58


On today's show, we explore how regulating your nervous system became an online trend, and its impact on the larger issue of women and anger. We also look ahead to the Arkansas Legislature's fiscal session. Plus, we hear about a new KUAF Live Session featuring Monsoon.

Underfunded supportive services — Inclusive Prom

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2026 54:58


On today's show, we hear about a study from the Arkansas Department of Human Services that finds that supported living services in the state are severely underfunded. Plus, we remember a nearly-forgotten Arkansas kidnapping 60 years ago. We also get details about Inclusive Prom.

Ozarks at Large: "But Wait, There's More!"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2026 54:59


On today's show: "But Wait, There's More," extended editions of stories from voices we've heard on our show recently.  We don't always have time to broadcast all of an interesting conversation, but today we do.

Arkansas civic dis-engagement — Earth Week

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we learn that it's not just voters who aren't turning out to the polls in Arkansas-- it's candidates, too. Also, we explore a new exhibit of facsimiles that allows us to see what texts from hundreds of years ago looked like. Plus, we hear from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders about her goals for the upcoming fiscal session of the state legislature.

Federal engineers building infrastructure, not paperwork — Upkept mends on the go

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2026 54:59


On today's show, the US Army Corps of Engineers is looking to build infrastructure, not paperwork, and we learn what that means. Plus, we learn about a new startup in Rogers that describes itself as DoorDash for garment repair. We also go the Other Way with Becca Martin Brown.

The impacts of Medicaid work requirements — Balanced aging

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we hear that Arkansas will start implementing new federal work requirements for Medicaid recipients and how that development will affect nearly 6,000 Arkansans who have HIV. Plus, we learn you can get older in a healthier way with a little work. We also get a roundup of live music in the coming week.

Combatting Arkansas' near-total abortion ban — National Puppy Day

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 55:00


On today's show, we hear four women and a physician are suing the state for its near-total abortion ban. Plus, the Pryor Center archives help us remember a clown, a foster home takes note of National Puppy Day and we go to the Fat Fashion Show at the Medium in Springdale.

Low funding for public schools — How sports could change

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we hear about a new report that shows that Arkansas' investment in K-12 public education is significantly below the national average. Plus, we explore the unpredictable future of sports. We've also got a weekly rundown of the latest news from the River Valley with Michael Tilley of Talk Business & Politics.

Judge blocks 10 Commandments law — Honeysuckle Jam(s)

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2026 54:58


On today's show, we learn that a federal judge has blocked a handful of Arkansas school districts from displaying posters of the Ten Commandments. Plus, we speak to the VA in Fayetteville's new director. We also hear some music from the duo Honeysuckle Jam.

Responding to disaster — Remembering Mike Flynn

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2026 54:58


On today's show, we learn that preparing for natural disaster response is a group effort in the emergency management world. Plus, we hear that when the power goes out, it might take a while to get the lights back on, or it might take a lot of work. We also recall the late Mike Flynn.

Neurodiversity in the NWA workplace — A leprechaun tells all

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we hear that a new study shows 3 in 10 neurodivergent Northwest Arkansas adults are unemployed or underemployed. Plus, we learn journalists around the nation are celebrating Sunshine Week and the importance of public records requests. We also have a conversation with a leprechaun.... Sort of.

The burdensome cost of childcare — Explaining SNAP's current state

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2026 54:58


On today's show, we learn that nearly 7 in 10 mothers in Arkansas view childcare costs as a barrier to employment. Plus, we explore the Pryor Center archives and continue to reflect on coverage of a previous war in the Middle East. And we get a brand new edition of Sound Perimeter.

'Common Threads' in American history — A bookshop-inspired play

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we tour a new exhibit at Crystal Bridges that recognizes the nuanced history of 250 years of America. Plus, we hear about a new play inspired by Dickson Street Bookshop hitting the stage and coming together in a different kind of way. Plus, a rundown of this week's headlines from the River Valley with Michael Tilley of Talk Business and Politics.

Improving teen health — Soccer at Razorback Stadium

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we learn about a Mississippi-based nonprofit that is hoping to address the challenges of health access and information for teens in Arkansas. We also explore a different kind of football coming to Razorback Stadium later this month. Plus, we hear from the founders of the Northwest Arkansas Fat Fashion Show.

Incubators and accelerators — 'Captain Blood'

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 54:59


On today's show, we report that the University of Arkansas' Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation is back in action. Plus, we listen to a MacArthur genius talk about uncertainty, fear and the value of imagination. And bazookas! But not those bazookas. We explain in this edition of Ozarks at Large.

Claim Ozarks at Large

In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

Claim Cancel