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

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On this episode of The GoodTimes Show, Damon Epps sits down with the guy who’s been quietly changing the game in Northwest Arkansas, Gary Vernon.

If you’ve ever hit the trails in Bentonville and thought, “Wait, why is this so nice?” you can probably thank Gary. Working with The Runway Group, Gary has been a driving force behind turning Tom and Stewart Walton’s big ideas into real-life outdoor magic.

It all started with a five-mile bike trail that’s now known as Slaughter Pen. That little project? Yeah, it’s turned into one of the country’s most talked-about trail systems. Shoutout to Progressive Trail Design for making it happen on the ground, but it’s Gary who’s been the glue holding it all together — like the conductor of a symphony made of bikes, berms, and community energy.

Damon and Gary talk about what it takes to turn vision into impact, how trails are way more than just dirt paths, and why outdoor recreation is fueling everything from economic growth to social connection in the Ozarks.

Whether you’re a mountain biking diehard, a trail runner, or just someone who loves a good local success story, this one’s for you.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Blake St. Presents

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On this episode of The GoodTimes Show, Damon Epps sits down with Griffin Loop, the artist turning steel and dreams into giant paper airplanes. Yes, really.

Griffin’s work is big, bold, and all about making people stop, think, and maybe even look up. What started as a 1-foot steel sculpture turned into a 50-foot paper plane parked in the middle of Colorado. And no, it doesn't fly, but it will make you want to launch your next big idea.

Raised by a dad who built ski lifts (casual), Griffin picked up more than a few tricks in engineering and design. Fast forward to today, and he’s creating massive, interactive sculptures that invite you to reflect, dream, and take action. His "Launch Intention Project" is exactly what it sounds like — helping people put their goals out into the world with style.

After doing the LA thing, Griffin made his way to Bentonville, where the art scene is popping and the people are all in on public creativity. He’s already left his mark with installations at Osage Park and outside BlakeSt House, and he’s just getting started.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unmotivated, or need a reminder that your dreams are valid, this convo will hit in all the right ways. Art, ambition, and the magic of taking your shot, it’s all here.

Tune in to The GoodTimes Show to hear how Griffin Loop is making waves in Bentonville and beyond, encouraging everyone to launch their intentions and watch where they land. It’s a conversation about art, aspirations, and the transformative power of creativity.

Tune in now on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Blake St. Presents

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This week on The GoodTimes Show, Damon Epps sits down with Colin Kendrick, aka the guy who’s casually dropping millions to help musicians make music. No big deal.

Colin is the founder and CEO of Sonic Guild, the artist support group formerly known as Black Fret. He started out vibing in Austin’s music scene, made some serious moves in the tech world, and then said, “Let’s just start giving artists money to create cool stuff.” And that’s exactly what he did — to the tune of over $5 million.

Now Sonic Guild is live in Austin, Seattle, Colorado, and the Ozarks, helping artists pay rent and make music. Wild concept, right?

Damon and Colin talk about how this whole thing started, why artists need more than just “exposure,” and how Sonic Guild is flipping the music industry on its head by making fans part of the process.

If you like music, want to feel better about where your money could be going, or just want to hear how one guy turned a local idea into a nationwide movement, this one’s worth the listen.

Tune in now on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Bonus points if you’re wearing a vintage band tee. 🎸

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Blake St. Presents

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On this episode of The GoodTimes Show, host Damon Epps welcomes Robin Wallis Atkinson, the powerhouse Founder and CEO behind INTERFORM, just in time for NWA Fashion Week happening March 28th through 30th.

Robin takes us inside the mission and momentum of INTERFORM, a nonprofit reshaping the creative and cultural landscape of Northwest Arkansas through empowerment, innovation, and radical inclusivity.

She breaks down INTERFORM’s three core pillars: LEARN, RHIZOME, and SHOW, and how each plays a role in building a thriving, self-sustaining fashion ecosystem. From skill-building sewing programs that are open to all levels, to next-level design and manufacturing initiatives, INTERFORM is paving the way for personal growth and regional impact.

We also explore Robin’s own journey, from art curator and organizer to bold leader in fashion and the arts. Under her leadership, NWA Fashion Week has grown into a celebration of diversity, community, and creative expression.

INTERFORM is now stepping into its biggest chapter yet, aiming to reignite apparel manufacturing in Northwest Arkansas and bring jobs, innovation, and visibility back to the region.

If you’re passionate about creativity, inclusivity, and real change in your community, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Blake St. Presents

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On this episode of The GoodTimes Show, host Damon Epps sits down with Clayton Marsh, a visionary educator who moved to Bentonville in 2016 to launch Thaden School, an innovative institution reshaping education in Northwest Arkansas.

This conversation takes a deep dive into how Thaden School’s approach to teaching encourages creativity, community involvement, and civic responsibility — all while serving families from diverse backgrounds.

Clayton shares the story behind Thaden’s founding, the role of philanthropic support in making it possible, and why he believes educational access is the foundation of lasting community change. This episode is full of insight for parents looking for inspiring learning environments, educators interested in forward-thinking methods, and anyone passionate about the future of education.

Damon and Clayton also explore what makes Northwest Arkansas such a special place to live, learn, and grow, especially as the region continues to evolve at an incredible pace.

In December 2023, Thaden announced that Michael Maloy will become the next head of school starting June 1, 2024. Clayton will continue leading through the end of the academic year before returning to Princeton, New Jersey, to begin a new chapter closer to family.

The episode also highlights Thaden’s exciting expansion into lower school grades, beginning with K–1 in August 2024 and growing to include K–5.

For current updates on Thaden School, visit thadenschool.org.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your shows.

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Blake St. Presents

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