GoodTimes, sits down with Chef Matt Cooper—the visionary behind Bentonville’s 100% gluten-free restaurant Conifer and its newly opened, farm-driven tasting experience, RŶN. A second-time James Beard Award nominee, Matt isn’t just cooking great food—he’s rewriting what hospitality, leadership, and community nourishment look like in Northwest Arkansas.

Diagnosed with celiac disease after years in the kitchen, Matt decided his next restaurant would be a place where anyone could eat every single thing on the menu. Conifer was born from that vow—and quickly became one of Bentonville’s most beloved restaurants. More than a kitchen, it’s a mission: to serve seasonal, farmer-supported food in a space built on empathy, transparency, and care—for guests, team, and community alike.

Now with RŶN, Matt’s mission goes deeper. Set on his own land just outside of town, RŶN offers a single-seating, 10-course tasting experience served inside a restored 1800s farmhouse surrounded by the very soil that feeds it. And it’s deeply personal—named after a phrase his grandmother used to sign letters: “Remember Your Name.”

We talk about everything: what it means to lead a healthy kitchen culture, how trauma shaped his style, why Bentonville is the perfect creative lab, and how his mother—a food technologist—helped lay the groundwork for his life in food. For Matt, ingredients matter. But people matter more.

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Welcome to The GoodTimes Show! In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Louie Cortese, a professional bike rider known for his thrilling performances with Nitro Circus. Louie’s journey is not just about adrenaline and tricks; it’s a powerful narrative of resilience, loss, and the transformative power of family.

Louie’s story took a poignant turn with the loss of his father, a heartbreaking event that profoundly impacted his life. This loss fueled his determination and ignited his passion for riding, leading him to overcome a serious motorcycle accident that ultimately shifted his focus from motorcycles to BMX biking. This pivotal moment became a catalyst for his career, propelling him into the world of extreme sports and showcasing his incredible talent.

Beyond the bike, Louie has embraced his role as a celebrity influencer in the fashion industry, offering clothing that resonates with his audience and reflects his unique style. He has built a trusted brand that connects with fans and followers who admire his authenticity and passion.

As a father, Louie shares his heartfelt reflections on what it means to start a family and the values he hopes to instill in his children. His experiences have shaped his outlook on life, pushing him to be a role model and a source of inspiration for others navigating their own challenges.

Join us for this candid conversation with Louie Cortese as we explore his journey, the lessons learned from personal trials, and how he continues to ride forward, inspiring others along the way. Tune in to discover what drives him, how he balances his career with family life, and the legacy he aims to create for future generations.

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Blake St. Presents

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On this episode of The GoodTimes Show, we’re talking bikes, business, and big ideas with the founders of Lockstop: Michael Burton and Clayton Woodruff.

Michael is a Marine Corps vet turned business strategist, bringing serious leadership chops from his time in human intelligence and omnichannel operations at Walmart. Clayton’s the tech and trail guy, with years of experience building world-class bike trails and developing apps that actually work in the real world.

Together, they’ve teamed up to launch Lockstop, a company that’s rethinking security for bikers and outdoor lovers. Whether you’re shredding the trails or just out for a coffee ride, their gear is built to keep your stuff safe and your mind at ease.

Damon digs into their story to see how they took the idea from sketch to shelf, what makes their partnership tick, and how Lockstop is helping solve real problems for the cycling community. It’s about more than locks and gadgets; it’s about trust, innovation, and showing up for your fellow riders.

If you're into biking, building things from the ground up, or just love a good founder story, this one's a ride worth taking.

Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your shows.

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Blake St. Presents

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.