Shows / Ozarks at Large
Ozarks at Large
A daily news magazine highlighting the people, places and events of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas River Valley.
Episodes
- Ozarks at Large
Radio Flyer’s chief wagon officer — Combating AI-generated abuse
On today’s show, Radio Flyer’s chief wagon officer Robert Pasin talks about the history of the little red wagon and being the third generation to run the…
- Ozarks at Large
DOJ election monitors coming to Arkansas — A piano competition for Florence Price
On today's show, we hear that the U.S. Department of Justice plans to send election monitors to Arkansas’ two most populous counties on Election Day. Plus…
- Ozarks at Large
Arkansas farm bankruptcies break records — Off-the-beaten-path horror films for Halloween
On today’s show, Harrison Pittman of the National Agricultural Law Center explains why Arkansas led the nation in Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings last…
- Ozarks at Large
Walkability at the State of the Region — Gov. Frank White’s term
On today’s show, we hear from walkability researcher Lawrence Frank at the State of the Region event at the Fayetteville Public Library. We also continue our…
- Ozarks at Large
Ozark Society funds youth conservation projects — Pilates with mini highland cows
On today’s show, we learn about the Ozark Society’s youth grants for conservation projects across the region. We also meet Austin Farnam of the 11-piece jazz…
- Ozarks at Large
Putting the A in STEAM at the UofA — Beer & Hymns turns 10
On today’s show, College of Education and Health Professions Dean Kate Mamiseishvili explains what a new $1.5 million Windgate Foundation endowment for a STEAM…
- Ozarks at Large
Employed but struggling in Arkansas — How the time change affects your inner clock
On today’s show, we take a closer look at ALICE households, Arkansans who are employed but still struggling to make ends meet, as Stephanie Hoopes of United…
- Ozarks at Large
Debate takeaways as early voting begins — Museum as Muse
On today’s show, Arkansas Advocate editor Andrew DeMillo breaks down last week’s debates as early voting gets underway, plus we hear about first-day turnout in…
- Ozarks at Large
Proposed changes to the 2030 census — Bill Clinton’s first term as governor
On today’s show, we learn how proposed changes to the 2030 census could affect who gets counted in Arkansas, which had the nation’s largest undercount in 2020…
- Ozarks at Large
'Dirty Dancing’ comes to Fayetteville — Free rides to the polls
On today’s show, we talk with Loren Lester, who plays Max Kellerman in the national tour of “Dirty Dancing,” coming to Walton Arts Center next week. We also…
- Ozarks at Large
Where to vote early in Washington County — A walk for the unhoused
On today’s show, we hear that early voting in Arkansas begins Monday, with 19 locations open in Washington County. Plus, we follow a three-day pilgrimage from…
- Ozarks at Large
Rural college advising expands in Arkansas — Caregiving in Puerto Rico
On today's show, we learn that the Arkansas Department of Education and Heartland Forward plan to expand rootEd’s college and career advising program to 100…
- Ozarks at Large
Investigating sexual assault increases at the UofA — Exploring the new Ozark Discovery Canopy
On today's show, we hear that a new report at the University of Arkansas shows reported rapes from 2025 have more than tripled from the previous year, and we…
- Ozarks at Large
How, why education reporters founded an Arkansas school — Another brief governor in Arkansas history
On today's show, we learn what happens when a group of out-of-state journalists tries to start a micro-school in Arkansas and receive state funding. Plus, we…
- Ozarks at Large
Sanders debuts state app — Fort Smith tightens data center rules
On today's show, we hear that Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders launched a mobile app offering more than 50 state services during Springdale’s turn as Arkansas’…
- Ozarks at Large
How cells react to stress — A closer look at Special Collections
On today's show, we learn that the National Institutes of Health has awarded a University of Arkansas professor $2 million to study how organisms respond to…
- Ozarks at Large
Hunter education's effect on youth gun violence — American Archives Month at the UofA
On today's show, we consider how youth hunter safety and education are critical, but more is needed to keep young people with access to firearms safe. Plus…
- Ozarks at Large
The story of Pope Leo XIV — Kwema seeks to reduce workplace violence
On today's show, we hear about a new book from two NPR reporters that details the story of Robert Prevost’s journey to becoming Pope Leo XIV. Plus, we learn a…
- Ozarks at Large
The Bentonville Institute of Technology — RockEd fosters a new generation of rock
On today's show, we hear about a new university focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math that is under construction in Bentonville. We also jump…
- Ozarks at Large
The history of the Razorbacks, beyond — Arkansas Tiny Desk Concert
On today's show, we hear sports stories old and new, like how a man from Prague created the word most associated with Arkansas. We also learn about electric…
- Ozarks at Large
A guide to Arkansas' ballot issues — Bryce Davis Park reopens
On today's show, we learn about a nonpartisan guide to Arkansas' four ballot issues. Plus, Bryce Davis Park reopens with more shade and accessibility. We also…
- Ozarks at Large
Arkansas farmers' mental health under the microscope — Jude Brothers' new double album
A first-of-its-kind UofA survey finds high rates of anxiety and depression among Arkansas farmers and ranchers. Plus, Jude Brothers talks about the new double…
- Ozarks at Large
UofA expands statewide health survey — Punkinhead reunites after 16 years
On today's show, a UofA sociologist explains how a $777,000 state award will expand the Arkansas Health Survey. Plus, two members of Punkinhead talk about…
- Ozarks at Large
New $10M fund targets Arkansas hunger — SoNA opens a new era with 'The Firebird'
On today's show, we hear from SoNA's new conductor ahead of the season opener. Plus, a new $10 million fund takes aim at Arkansas hunger. We also look back at…
- Ozarks at Large
Fort Smith firefighters push for bigger raises — A joyful approach to teaching
On today's show, we preview the Northwest Arkansas Emergency Preparedness Fair in Centerton and the opening of the sixth Our Art, Our Region, Our Time…
- Ozarks at Large
Suing over Oklahoma's abortion ban — Mount Sequoyah plans its next chapter
On today's show, we hear from an Oklahoma mother suing the state over its abortion ban after her pregnancy received a fatal diagnosis. Plus, Mount Sequoyah…
- Ozarks at Large
'The State of Education in Arkansas' — Exploring two ends of the artistic spectrum
On today's show, we discuss a new book on the state of education in Arkansas that explores policies, practices and outcomes over the last 20 years. Plus, we…
- Ozarks at Large
Groundbreaking healthcare in NWA — Evaluating Arkansas' public schools
On today's show, we learn that the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine and Mercy Health broke ground last week on a new $700 million specialty health care…
- Ozarks at Large
Litigating Arkansas' abortion ban — Dale Bumpers' time as governor
On today's show, a judge is scheduled to hear arguments soon about whether to dismiss a lawsuit against the state of Arkansas for its near-total abortion ban…
- Ozarks at Large
'Song of a Blackbird' retells a WWII rescue — Old Friends Reunion music festival
On today's show, we hear about "Song of a Blackbird," a graphic novel exploring how Dutch artists saved thousands of people from the Nazis. We’ll also talk…
- Ozarks at Large
Settling districts in Missouri — UofA Theatre Season opens with 'Love/Sick'
On today's show, we learn that a redistricting fight in Missouri has led to a lot of ping-ponging in the judicial system and fear from Republicans in office…
- Ozarks at Large
TeamSmile visits Fayetteville — Speaking with actors on 'Fences'
On today's show, we hear that a national nonprofit is providing free dental care to underserved kids. Plus, we hear from an actor: TheatreSquared's 21st season…
- Ozarks at Large
Affordable books in Springdale — The future of higher education
On today's show, we hear that a new bookshop is open in Springdale with a pay-what-you-can model. We also consider the future of higher education with AI…
- Ozarks at Large
ALICE in Arkansas — Perceval Everett discusses his novels in Fayetteville
On today's show, we gain a better understanding of what it means to be employed yet still struggle to get by. Plus, Perceval Everret tells us that fiction can…
- Ozarks at Large
Reflecting on 'Sound Perimeter' — 'Death in the Tallgrass'
On today's show, we hear about the new novel "Death in the Tallgrass," which explores a decades-old murder mystery in eastern Oklahoma. We’ll also learn more…
- Ozarks at Large
Chamber of Mothers expands Arkansas presence — Putting down screens
On today's show, we hear that a national nonprofit advocating for mothers has launched two new chapters in Arkansas. Plus, we hear from bluegrass players…
- Ozarks at Large
Free zine 'milkweed' hits shelves — Jones Center welcomes NWA with Day of Service
On today's show, we hear that a new local zine is prioritizing the physical media experience. Plus, the midterm elections are 54 days away, so we answer voting…
- Ozarks at Large
As midterms approach, how do candidates feel? — Fayetteville's new historic district
On today's show, we hear that Democrats and Libertarians in Arkansas are hopeful as we inch our way toward the midterms. We also learn that work to preserve…
- Ozarks at Large
Preparing before disaster strikes — Marching Razorbacks get ready for kickoff
On today's show, we hear about National Preparedness Month and the work of American Red Cross in Northwest Arkansas. Plus, the University of Arkansas Marching…
- Ozarks at Large
Examining Missouri's, Oklahoma's teacher pay gap — Bentonville preps a competitive chef
On today's show, we hear that the pay gap between teachers and comparable college-graduate professionals continues to widen. Plus, we visit with the United…
- Ozarks at Large
CES waiver waitlist reaches breaking point — Following a UofA alum's post-grad journey
On today's show, we explore how momentum and advocacy are growing to call a special session to eliminate the waitlist for critical healthcare services for…
- Ozarks at Large
Checking out 2026 Arkansas ballot measures — NWA service industry gaps
On today's show, we get you up to speed on the four issues Arkansas voters will see on the ballot this November. Plus, we learn Northwest Arkansas is…
- Ozarks at Large
Considering Dolly Parton's literary legacy — Fayetteville hears México en el Corazón
On today's show, we remember Dolly Parton through books. We also learn that nasty political campaigns are not a 21st-century invention. Plus, we hear sounds…
- Ozarks at Large
Ozarks in autumn — Cory Cross plays Jumpsuit Jamey’s Big Honky-Tonk Dance
On today's show, we consider that while it may not feel like it just yet, autumn is closing in, and that season has some deep connections to the Ozarks. Plus…
- Ozarks at Large
'The Outsiders' takes you to 1967 Tulsa — Examining political polarization
On today's show, we hear that demonstrators gathered in Bentonville to protest a military contractor and defense summit. Plus, the University of Arkansas'…
- Ozarks at Large
Improving NWA meteorology — JrSOAPbox performs new songs
On today's show, we learn why weather radar coverage in Northwest Arkansas could be getting better soon. We also hear about Jr. Soapbox's new album and hear…
- Ozarks at Large
Pausing data centers around Arkansas — Celebrating Ozark heritage
On today's show, we learn why local governments around Arkansas continue to put data centers on hold. We also acknowledge that tailgating season is almost…
- Ozarks at Large
New polls reveal a tight race — Winthrop Rockefeller's gubernatorial journey
On today's show, we hear that new polling in Arkansas shows tight races between incumbent Republicans and Democratic challengers. We also learn why a member of…
- Ozarks at Large
Yvonne Richardson Center's next chapter — Waterwitch film series continues
On today's show, we hear about a six-year refurbishment as the Yvonne Richardson Center prepares for its next chapter as a community center. Plus, we'll learn…
- Ozarks at Large
'Journalism in the Age of AI' — Braving the Ozark Flame and Flavor Festival
On today's show, we consider whether the growth of artificial intelligence is impacting how we get the news. We also learn that the extreme sport of…
- Ozarks at Large
Correcting misconceptions about contraception — Experiencing UofA concert hall's new sound
On today's show, we explore misconceptions around contraception that can lead to risks for women and girls of all ages in Arkansas. We also learn the Urban…
- Ozarks at Large
Scrutinizing vaccine changes — Animating 'The Fox in the Walled Garden'
On today's show, we hear that while the federal government calls for changes to childhood vaccines, a local pediatrician stands firm on the science. We also…
- Ozarks at Large
Exploring the Ozarks with a new minor at the UofA — Recalling another Arkansas governor
On today's show, we learn the University of Arkansas is launching a new minor in Ozarks Studies. Plus, we continue our series on Arkansas governors. We also…
- Ozarks at Large
A Pleistocene appearance in Fayetteville — Jazz Mania talks 'Banned Bodies'
On today's show, we explore the University of Arkansas Museum’s collection that features 7.5 million items. Plus, we take a look at the next installment in The…
- Ozarks at Large
Curbing the rate of uninsured moms — Arkansas' connection to the Battle of Sicily
On today's show, we learn uninsured rates are high in Arkansas, especially for the state’s Hispanic population, but work is happening to shrink those…
- Ozarks at Large
Exploring our connection to AI — Boys Nation gains an Arkansas leader
On today's show, we learn that a researcher at the University of Arkansas has found that AI chatbots are showing up in our lives in unseen and unexpected ways…
- Ozarks at Large
Health insurance limbo — 'Lady Church in the Christian Imagination'
On today's show, we learn that the status of health insurance for more than 200,000 Arkansans remains up in the air. Plus, we examine centuries of the feminine…
- Ozarks at Large
Fayetteville group turns to churches on reparations — Pryor Center revisits one-term Gov. Francis Cherry
On today's show, the city of Fayetteville declared racism a public health crisis six years ago. Now, a local organization is planning to take action. Plus, the…
- Ozarks at Large
New architecture book highlights Arkansas connections — Filmland features blacksmith documentary
On today's show, the new book Out There: New Architecture Across America has deep Arkansas connections. Plus, Filmland starts next week in Little Rock and…
- Ozarks at Large
Primaries' impact on coming general election — Fayetteville's South Yard continues to develop
On today's show, teaching associate professor of political science at the University of Arkansas John C. Davis discusses this year's midterm primary elections…