On the Other Hand

Breanne Davis, Republican Arkansas state senator from Russellville & sponsor of LEARNS act in 2023, sits down to talk with Glen & April in this first part of our conversation.  Breanne's background growing up with a family that was active in their community and a longstanding interest in working with others motivated her to get involved, eventually running for and being elected as state Senator. She is a co-chair of the "Ar...

In this second part of our interview with Dr. Blake Perkins, ASU-Beebe professor of history, we further explore his insights into the culture and politics of rural Arkansans in the Ozark region, who he terms "Ozarkers." In this episode, he provides additional detail into the reality, as opposed to stereotypes, of Ozarkers' frequently described distrust of outsiders. He includes lessons from history and his studies that suggest ways...

Dr. Blake Perkins, History professor at ASU-Beebe, talks with Glen and April about his research on the history of "Ozarkers" or rural folk in the Arkansas mountains over the last couple of centuries. He specifically addresses aspects of how these Arkansans have tended to view "outsiders," whether those from state or federal government, from more urban areas, or persons with money and influence. Given the importance of such division...

In this second part of our talk with former judge and social justice activist Wendell Griffen, we hear his defense of the importance for civility in discourse and the willingness to engage with those on the other side. He points to how the games we played - and their rules that we followed as children - continues to be a critical model for us to follow as adults. He sees the need for similar attention to laws and civil behavior in ...

Here's a guest you should make a point to listen to: Wendell Griffen, a veteran, attorney, retired judge, CEO of his own organization, author, public speaker, and the pastor at the New Millennium Church in Little Rock. In part 1 of this interview, April and Glen sit down with Wendell, well known in Arkansas as a passionate advocate for various social justice issue. Here he explains how his views originate from influences by his par...

In part 2 of his second appearance on our podcast, Ryan shares with us information about his work on increasing civil engagement by Arkansans. Those actions include initiatives that Americans for Prosperity Arkansas provides for any Arkansans who are interested in becoming more involved and engaged in political actions and advocacy.  He also discusses how he combines advocacy for the conservative, free-market approach to government...

Glen & April invite Ryan Norris back for a repeat interview. As Director of Americans for Prosperity Arkansas, Ryan has been in charge of an organization that nationally has been associated with strongly Red views, yet he has persistently advocated and acted in accordance with values of civility and maintaining relationships across the political divide. In the first part of this second interview, Ryan provides insight into the ...

In part 2 of our interview with Dr. Robert Richards of the Clinton School of Public Service, we learn about the various communication systems and practices that the students learn to help them appreciate the perspectives of others whose views differ from their own. Drawing distinctions between dialog and deliberation, Robert helps us better understand how students with such diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences become e...

April & Glen welcome Dr. Robert Richards, Assistant Professor at the Clinton School of Public Service, who provides insight into the work done in training future professionals in government, non-profits, and for-profit organizations. For those who are curious about the nature of the Clinton School's vision and work with its students, Robert provides details on the training, both academic/research oriented work, as well as real-...

In part 2 of our interview with Clarke Tucker, Glen & April hear Clarke's account of recent work in the 2023 legislative session, including being able to get some long-sought measures in criminal justice reform included in a bill that became law. He describes its benefit in reducing recidivism and yet notes the many ways that some of that recent legislation is likely to prove counterproductive, failing to actually make Arkansan...

Glen and April sit down with Clarke Tucker, an attorney who currently serves as the Democratic Senator in the Arkansas Legislature from Little Rock, District 14. In this first part of our interview with Clarke, we learn how he serves in government out of a strong sense of obligation, given the many privileges he has been blessed with in his life. As we explore his view of politics in Arkansas and nationally, he explains how he sees...

In part 2 of our conversation with Nate Bell, Glen and April explore with him his work on the Freedom of Information law in Arkansas, his ideas on improving good government, and his suggested remedies for the extreme political polarization currently seen in our state and the nation. While describing himself as "bull-headed" in his political views, he values facts and is prepared to hear others who can provide legitimate information...

Nate Bell, a former Arkansas Republican legislator turned "politically homeless" and a consultant currently active in seeking to enshrine Arkansas's Freedom of Information law into the state constitution, sits down with Glen and April. Nate advocates for good government in his work, and he also consults on commercial and off-grid solar power projects.  A self-described Reagan conservative, he draws a sharp contrast between his view...

In this second part of our conversation with Marquis Hunt, we explore his life as a musician, and he offers sage advice on how to work across divides in his community. He offers advice such as "hate that which is not love" and points out how often these days, some divisive elements are targeting as "bad" such currently central points in the culture wars as being black, gay, transgender, etc.  He focuses on finding ways to neutraliz...

Glen & April talk with Marquis Hunt, an eclectic community leader who is also a  talented saxophonist and recording artist, interfaith leader, author and thought leader. In this first part of the conversation, Marquis traces his origins in his upraising in Arkansas as a Christian, and how it has influenced his current views and work.  He also explores his roles in our community as a person of faith who reaches across religious ...

Rex Nelson is a veteran journalist who also served in key roles in Governor Mike Huckabee's administration. In this interview with Rex (a single, 45-minute episode), we hear his take on the uniqueness of Arkansas and how it provides him a rich depth of topics for his columns, which include historical, cultural, political and other coverage of life in Arkansas. Some recent developments in the state are seen as offering Arkansas an i...

In this second part of our interview with John Brummett, April and Glen hear John assert that "a steady, committed effort to human dialog" is a potential antidote to polarization. Currently, he views our nation as a "tied country" where the political math leads politicians to feed on division and pandering to the base of each party, while demonizing the other side. His solution is that moderates must become a movement on their own....

Glen and April interview John Brummett, prominent long-time Arkansas journalist and columnist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. John describes his early family life as a pivotal influence, and he relates an instance when he was criticized in his family's church for an article he wrote, and how his family responded. Also, he noted that while he generally did very well in elementary school, there was one area of conduct in which he ...

In this second part of our interview with Kathy Webb, Little Rock city board member and longtime community activist in hunger, LGBTQ, and other issues, Glen & April learn ways Kathy feels we can each help manage emotion and tribalism, in order to better work toward the common good. She mentions several areas in which she sees opportunities for bipartisan agreement or compromise, including public safety and crime, as well as hom...