In this episode of On the Other Hand, Glen talks with Bob Estes, coordinator of Arkansas Peace Week and longtime advocate with the Arkansas Coalition for Peace and Justice, about what it really means to build a culture of peace in a deeply divided time. Bob reflects on the personal influences that shaped his commitment to fairness and equality, from mentors like Paul Wellstone and Woody Guthrie to his own experiences in community organizing. He explains how Arkansas Peace Week—centered around September 21—uses youth art and essay contests and practical lessons to plant seeds of nonviolence that may take years to fully bloom. The conversation also explores what Bob has learned about fostering respectful dialogue across political differences, citing as a hopeful example a recent bipartisan legislative success. It’s a thoughtful, grounded discussion about how peacebuilding happens—not just in theory, but in classrooms, communities, and everyday conversations.

In part 2 of their conversation with Jim Hudson, Secretary of Arkansas Dept of Finance & Administration, April and John explore how Jim leads his team in these polarized times, manages risk, integrates faith and integrity into public service, and finds hope amid division. Jim explores how leadership in government requires balancing experimentation with accountability, explaining how his team tests new processes, learns from early setbacks, and weighs financial investments against the real costs inefficiency imposes on taxpayers. He describes a service-oriented leadership style built on setting clear priorities, trusting teams to execute, and remaining visible during demanding periods, while emphasizing that respectful communication, active listening, and humility are essential when navigating political disagreements and policy debates. Jim also reflects on aligning personal convictions with organizational leadership, encouraging open internal debate while distinguishing deeply held principles from personal opinions. Connecting faith, character, and coaching to effective leadership, he discusses the major challenges facing Arkansas—such as poverty, educational outcomes, and rural population decline—while expressing optimism about economic growth in parts of the state and urging emerging leaders to focus on personal development, lifelong learning, and appreciation for the often-unseen contributions of public servants.

On The Other Hand podcast co-host April Chatham-Carpenter and guest co-host John O’Brien have a conversation with Jim Hudson, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, where he oversees multiple divisions and works with a wide range of stakeholders. In Part 1 of the interview, Jim describes his leadership journey, values, and consultative approach to mission-driven public service. Jim reflects on his journey from vocational ministry to public service, describing how a sense of calling guided him into his current role. He credits Governor Sanders’ leadership with a focus on individual stories, improved public services, and a refusal to accept mediocrity, while outlining his own leadership approach as one centered on collaboration, inspiration, and trust rather than micromanagement. Drawing on his interdisciplinary background in political science, law, leadership, and divinity, Jim explains how humility, appreciation for present responsibilities, and thoughtful communication shape his decision-making. Jim emphasizes that effective leadership in government requires balancing the risks of action and inaction and taking carefully considered risks in pursuit of meaningful improvement.