In this week’s episode, Rex sits down with entrepreneur Andy McNeill and State Rep. Matt Duffield, R-Russellville, co-hosts of the Free Arkansas podcast, to discuss how open dialogue and practical policymaking could shape the state’s future. Through their Free Arkansas podcast, the pair aim to challenge the status quo by fostering conversation, examining the state’s rankings across key sectors and identifying tangible steps toward progress.

Matt, who entered public service to be of help to his community, underscores the need to refocus on foundational issues, such as budgeting, infrastructure and effective governance in shaping public policy. The conversation also touches on the growing influence of national politics in local debates, with Rex, Matt and Andy arguing for a renewed emphasis on Arkansas-specific solutions to community and statewide issues.

Looking toward the future, Matt and Andy point to Arkansas' natural assets, affordability and cultural values as key elements for long-term growth in a post-pandemic economy. From the steel boom in northeast Arkansas to outdoor tourism in the northwest portion of the state, the trio discuss what it would take to usher in an economic golden era. The conversation includes the consideration of factors such as community development, healthcare access and broadband internet expansion as critical steps toward progress. Ultimately, the three agree that a more vibrant, stronger Arkansas begins with better conversation and dialogue.

Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

• (00:00:08) - Southern Fried Podcast
• (00:01:02) - Free Arkansas: A Dialogue for a Better Arkansas
• (00:04:55) - Arkansas Businessman and Serial Entrepreneur Andy Denali
• (00:06:33) - Arkansas is a Good Place to Do Business
• (00:07:01) - Alex Thomas: Arkansas' reputation as a business destination
• (00:11:14) - Adam Russell on Running for Public Office
• (00:17:01) - Arkansas lawmakers: What is best for the state of Arkansas?
• (00:18:52) - Eric Harrison: Arkansas on the verge of a golden era
• (00:24:44) - Arkansas Governor on Bringing More People From California to the State
• (00:27:54) - Infrastructure needs to be improved in Arkansas
• (00:33:09) - Comments on Russellville Mayor's first year
• (00:33:51) - Exclusives: Arkansans' optimism about the future
• (00:37:21) - Southern Fried Podcast

On this episode of the podcast, Rex sits down for an in-depth discussion with one of his longtime religious mentors and a man he says many refer to as "Arkansas' pastor," Rex Horne, the outgoing executive director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. With Horne's decades-long career as a prominent Baptist leader, educator and administrator, the two cover a range of topics related to faith, ministry and leadership in this installment of the podcast.

The conversation begins with Horne's explaining his recent decision to step down as overseer of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, an announcement released to the public in April, and why he believes now is the right time for the Convention to take on new leadership. Horne, who began his tenure in October 2022 after retiring from a career in ministry and higher education administration, tells Rex that "institutions go through transitions" and understands that organizations occasionally need new oversight and direction.

Next, Horne shares his thoughts on why mainstream Christian denominations are becoming "something from the past" and his belief that generational changes and different interpretations of the Bible have played a significant role in the evolution of churches and church attendance. The conversation then transitions to Horne's nine year tenure as president of Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, where he learned about higher education and serving as a university leader by listening to and learning from the university's faculty, staff and students.

Finally, Horne describes his experiences growing up in the Baptist faith in southern Arkansas, which led to his "call to ministry," including his time growing and expanding Little Rock's Immanuel Baptist Church from 1990 to 2006. In this influential role, Horne tells Rex about serving as President Bill Clinton's spiritual advisor and overseeing a $40 million building project that resulted in the church's relocation to a much larger facility on North Shackleford Road. Horne has now returned to pastoring, and the conversation concludes with a brief discussion on how he is leading Hope Church in the city's Hillcrest neighborhood, which allows him to continue to be "someone who wants to make a difference," as he describes it.

Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

• (00:00:17) - Southern Fried Podcast
• (00:01:05) - Arkansas Baptist State Convention Leader Rex Burkett on His Step Down
• (00:03:16) - When to Step Down as President of the Oklahoma Baptist Convention
• (00:06:53) - Arkansas Baptists Speak Out on the Decline of the Main
• (00:13:44) - Congregation at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church
• (00:15:01) - A message on the first year of the college presidency
• (00:19:20) - Independent Colleges and their role in Arkansas
• (00:21:08) - Pastor Clinton on Being President Bill Clinton's Pastor
• (00:27:48) - Arkansas Pastor Rex Horn on Why He Lived in the State

One of Rex’s old friends and longtime Arkansas politician Jim Keet returns to the podcast this week to discuss several topics relevant to Jim’s multifaceted career and, in particular, the businessman’s longstanding history in the restaurant business.

Rex and Jim’s conversation begins with an overview of their joint involvement in Arkansas’ Republican party at a time when Democrats ruled the state. This part of the chat focuses on the Springfield, Missouri-native’s time in the Arkansas House of Representatives and Senate as well as his 2010 run for state governor. But Keet has spent much of his professional time over the years “in and out of the hotel business,” as he describes it, and developing restaurants alongside his sons and sister-in-law. Over the years, Jim has played a significant role in helping establish a number of well-known restaurants and chains in the state, including the Wendy’s franchise.

Much of the second part of their discussion concerns Jim’s development of the businesses in Breckenridge Village, an outdoor shopping center with eateries situated off Little Rock’s North Rodney Parham Road. Jim characterizes Breckenridge Village as a “catalyst for revitalizing Midtown,” and talks about the damage caused to the center on March 31, 2023 when the center was greatly damaged by an EF-3 tornado that tore through the city. However, since that time, Jim talks about the progress made as part of the redevelopment of Breckenridge Village and the forthcoming businesses slated to enter that location, including but not limited to a new movie theater that includes a bowling alley with a variety of food options.

Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.