Ever wondered what happens when you mix high fashion, premium bourbon, and fighting cancer? The Suits and Sneakers charity event delivers a uniquely exhilarating experience that's changing the fundraising landscape in Northwest Arkansas.

This fifth annual celebration, scheduled for Friday, October 17th at the Fayetteville Town Center, brings together bourbon enthusiasts, sneakerheads, and philanthropists for an unforgettable night of giving. As Lisa Bores of Sazerac and Catherine Tapp from the American Cancer Society share with the B-Team crew, this year's theme, "Cheers to Five Years", promises a birthday party atmosphere on a grand scale, complete with new surprises that build on the event's stellar reputation.

Bourbon takes center stage thanks to Sazerac's exceptional offerings. This year's whiskey pool allows attendees to enjoy unlimited pours of allocated bourbon throughout the evening, take home a commemorative glass, and receive a surprise bottle, all for a $100 contribution. The signature auction will feature an exclusive Eagle Rare barrel experience, following last year's Buffalo Trace barrel that raised an impressive $30,000.

What truly sets Suits and Sneakers apart is its fashion component. "Sneaker police" roam the event, issuing "citations" to guests with exceptional footwear, directing them to a sneaker stage for recognition. Categories include most innovative, most spirited, and most sparkly, with winners receiving coveted prizes. The event has even spawned a thriving custom sneaker industry in Northwest Arkansas, with artists creating one-of-a-kind designs specifically for the occasion.

Beyond the bourbon and fashion, entertainment abounds with a human slot machine featuring Buzz Balls, a fashion show showcasing cancer survivors alongside athletes, and Buffalo Trace root beer floats during the dance party. All proceeds support the American Cancer Society's critical mission of funding cancer research and providing essential services like transportation and lodging for patients.

Don't miss your chance to participate in this extraordinary event where doing good feels this good. Tickets and sponsorships are available now at suitsandsneakersAR.com. Secure yours before they're gone!

A treasure hunt doesn't always require a map; sometimes, the greatest discoveries are hiding in plain sight on your local liquor store shelves. Alcoholic beverage expert Russ Kempton returns to the B-Team Podcast to guide Josh, Matt, and guest host Jim Corbett through a Bottled-in-Bond tasting that challenges perceptions and proves quality doesn't always correlate with price or scarcity.

The journey begins with a fascinating history lesson on the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a groundbreaking consumer protection measure championed by Colonel E.H. Taylor to combat dangerous distilling practices. This legislation established strict quality standards requiring to be the product of one distilling season, aged at least four years under government supervision, bottled at exactly 100 proof, and produced at a single distillery – creating what Russ calls "a brand of authenticity."

From the polarizing yet historically significant Mellow Corn ($15) to the surprisingly complex J.T.S. Brown ($20) and the leather-forward Old Grand Dad ($20), the team discovers remarkable quality in bottles many bourbon enthusiasts ignore while hunting allocated products. The tasting peaks with Old Pepper Bottled-in-Bond, drawing comparisons to much pricier options, and a rare Angel's Envy Bottled-in-Bond distillery exclusive that showcases rich wood tannins and exemplifies how distilleries test potential new expressions.

Throughout the discussion, Russ emphasizes the importance of evaluating spirits objectively: "You never taste with your heart." This reminder that perception often influences enjoyment more than actual quality resonates as the bourbon boom moderates and previously scarce bottles become more accessible. The episode offers a refreshing perspective for collectors and casual drinkers alike, while the thrill of finding rare bottles continues, some of the best bourbon experiences are waiting right on the regular shelf, no allocation required.

Take a break from the allocation chase and join us for a journey that might just change how you shop for whiskey. After all, as Russ pointedly asks about these overlooked gems: "What took you so long?"

When artistic talent meets entrepreneurial vision, magic happens. That's exactly the story behind Southern Trend, the beloved Arkansas apparel company founded by former baseball player turned full-time artist, Clint Brannon.

In this candid conversation, Clint takes us back to his unexpected journey from the baseball diamond to the art studio. With the crucial backing of former MLB All-Star catcher Tom Pagnozzi, who recognized Clint's artistic potential during his playing days, Southern Trend transformed from a simple poster design for Bikes, Blues and Barbecue into a thriving business. The growth was explosive – from selling 2,000 shirts to Walmart partnerships moving 20,000+ units within just a few years.

What truly distinguishes Southern Trend in the crowded apparel space is their access to the University of Arkansas "Vintage Vault" logos. The slobbering hog and other nostalgic designs resonate deeply with Razorback Nation, creating an instant connection with customers across the state. This authenticity, combined with their in-house screen printing capabilities, has enabled them to supply hundreds of boutiques while maintaining family-friendly pricing.

Beyond Razorback gear, Clint shares fascinating insights into their custom design process, minimum orders of just 50 items (making quality apparel accessible to smaller groups), and creative partnerships with brands like John Rich's Redneck Riviera. Throughout it all, his artistic integrity and community-centered approach shine through.

Whether you're a Razorback die-hard, small business owner, or aspiring artist, there's something inspiring in Clint's story of finding success by staying true to his creative passions.